Each of the four candidates would be a solid choice for the district, in the midst of a challenging time when it comes to finances and its future. For the past few decades, San Bruno Park has faced difficult decisions when it comes to its finances. The more trouble it has, the more trouble it has with enrollment. Now with a new superintendent at the helm, the district is moving toward revamping its school system with fewer neighborhood schools and increasing enrollment at new schools to be reconstructed using bond money the district hopes to obtain through voter approval this Nov. 6 and by selling off property no longer needed.
We always caution the idea of selling off surplus property simply because what makes sense today, may not make sense tomorrow if enrollment starts to grow. However, the circumstances of years of financial turmoil leave little choice. San Bruno Park is heading in the right direction for its particular needs but this path won’t necessarily be smooth because of the tough decisions ahead.
With that in mind, a little stability might go a long way. Appointed incumbent Andy Mason is at the top of the learning curve and interested in keeping lines of communication open. Longtime incumbent Henry Sanchez tends to go along with the guidance of the superintendent but provides some institutional knowledge and perspective. Newcomer Teri Chavez has burnished a resume of community involvement and would hit the ground running. She is also keenly interested in gaining consensus through open communication. Former trustee Chuck Zelnik has insight, smarts and history but brings some baggage from the past that might get in the way of the district’s forward path. If the district was well on the road of progress, it might be able to absorb a new trustee with an alternative point of view but now is not the time for that.
The current board, however, might heed some of his concerns about its approach to getting out of its financial hole as it moves ahead. The district is by no means out of its financial burdens and there is much work to be done. However, it has a plan, and that is progress. As long as its trustees keep the lines of communication open and incorporate the points of view of everyone in the community, that path will lead to prosperity. There really is no other choice.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.