PLACENTIA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

These candidates are running for two full terms and one unexpired term on the Placentia Unified School District Board of Education in the Nov. 6 election.

Karin M. Freeman

Age: 43

Occupation: Board member/ former supervisor of customer service at Southern California Edison.

Background: Joined Placentia school board a year ago when Placentia and Yorba Linda school districts merged; former Yorba Linda school board member; Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce member; Yorba Linda-Placentia Child-Care Task Force member.

Issues: Supports more accessibility of board members; wants a stronger science program in the elementary schools, and supports building more schools, including North Fairmont, to handle increasing enrollment.

Isabelle Jambon Hlavac

Age: 49

Occupation: Incumbent/ volunteer

Background: Elected to the board in 1985; former elementary and junior high school teacher in Placentia Unified.

Issues: Supports renovation and expansion of existing schools and supports a policy of fiscal prudence, calling for a more efficient business department.

William Kielty

Age: 42

Occupation: Businessman

Background: Loan consultant for a bank for the past three years; was an investment consultant working in real estate; and was an employee benefits counselor for 13 years.

Issues: Believes the school district must build new schools, improve long-range planning and the way available funds are put to use to meet the needs of rapidly increasing enrollment.

Roger Kavigan

Age: 23

Occupation: Student teacher

Background: A 14-year resident of Placentia; associate degree from Fullerton College, bachelor’s degree from Cal State Fullerton; enrolled at Cal State Fullerton in teaching credential program.

Issues: Believes money should not be an issue in this election; instead, the focus should be on multicultural education, alternative learning environments and hiring top-quality teachers.

Guy R. Ehrich

Age: 62

Occupation: Incumbent/ retired financial planning manager

Background: Board member since 1977.

Issues: Supports development of a strong technology and music program at all grade levels; supports building another school to meet the needs of increasing enrollment, and wants to keep current program levels despite state budget cutbacks.

Quentin P. Goodman

Age: 47

Occupation: Board member/ dentist

Background: Joined the Placentia school board when Placentia and Yorba Linda school districts merged; instrumental in bringing about the merger of the two districts.

Issues: Supports the continued study of the middle school concept; wants to open a dialogue with Fullerton Union High School District concerning high school students in Placentia Unified who are bused to Troy High School, and supports building North Fairmont School to meet increased enrollment.

Unexpired Term William R. Scarberry

Age: 42

Occupation: Appointed incumbent/ businessman

Background: Appointed to the board in May, 1989; involved in youth activities, including the PTA, scouting and athletics; served on four district advisory committees and several school site councils.

Issues: Supports a more efficient business department, a better balance of college preparatory and vocational education; wants to identify and address at a younger age children who have a high risk of dropping out of school; wants to confront the gang problem in the community; supports a three-year contract with employees, and supports the addition of the North Fairmont school site.

Constance (Connie) Underhill

Age: 48

Occupation: Businesswoman

Background: Founder, Placentia-Yorba Linda Assistance Line Inc. (PhoneFriend); PTA president of Valencia High and Ruby-Topaz Elementary schools; Placentia Neighborhood Watch Executive Board; coordinator of PCTV programs.

Issues: Supports changing school board meetings to Mondays to eliminate conflict with City Council meetings; supports upgrading of libraries; supports reducing class sizes and extending the school day at campuses where students need more social programs, such as D.A.R.E., gang awareness, etc.; supports offering career-track programs to high school students, including a range of business courses for entry-level jobs.