HUNTINGTON BEACH CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

These are the candidates running for three seats on the Huntington Beach City School District Board of Trustees in the Nov. 6 election.

Sarah Ann (Sherry) Barlow

Age: 54

Occupation: Incumbent/ businesswoman

Background: Current board president. First elected to the board in 1981 and reelected in 1985. Has six children who have come up through district system, including one still attending.

Issues: Wants to continue district’s academic aims and distance the district from the controversial departure of Supt. Diana Peters.

Shirley Carey

Age: 50

Occupation: Health consultant.

Background: Community volunteer work includes PTA, youth sports organizations and reform-minded Citizens Alliance for Responsible Education. Two of three children attend district schools. Backed by business community and teachers’ union.

Issues: Wants to improve the district’s communication, internally and with public, and repair what she says are the “dysfunctional” relations among trustees.

Patricia F. (Pat) Cohen

Age: 58

Occupation: Incumbent/ administrative assistant

Background: Seeks election to third term after first being elected in 1981. Spent 35 years as a teacher and school nurse, now an administrative assistant with the American Cancer Society. Former Orange County Status of Women Commission member and volunteer in many other community endeavors.

Issues: Wants to continue district’s academic aims and move beyond controversy surrounding the Peters departure.

Brian F. Garland

Age: 50

Occupation: Edison High School principal

Background: Previously served separate terms on board, 1975-80 and 1982-86. Has spent 28 years as educator, including 20 as elementary school and high school history teacher. Edison administrator for past six years. Endorsed by teachers’ union.

Issues: Wants to improve administration-teacher relations, redirect district spending to enhance educational programs and maintain “fair” teachers salaries.

Robert J. Mann

Age: 44

Occupation: Incumbent/ school adviser

Background: Seeks first full term after being elected in 1987 to fill Richard Boucher’s unexpired term. Has spent 20 years as an educator. Holds doctorate degree in computer education. Has two children enrolled in district schools. Backed by teachers’ union.

Issues: Frequently the lone voice of dissent on the board; only trustee who opposed October, 1989, pay raise and contract extension for Peters. Stresses open communication and focusing more spending “in the classroom.”

Brian Rechsteiner

Age: 45

Occupation: Oil industry real-estate territory manager

Background: Has worked for Mobil Oil Co. for past 20 years. Has two children attending district schools, and has been a member of PTA and has led a youth leadership program in the district.

Issues: Wants to restore amicable relations among trustees. Supportive of current programs he credits to Peters, but criticizes her administration for poor relations with the teachers’ union.

Michael J. Cassidy (photo not available)

Age: 36

Occupation: Defense attorney.

Background: Police officer in several Los Angeles County cities before becoming a lawyer four years ago. Former PTA president at Eader School. Two of his three children attend district schools.

Issues: Wants to improve communication among administrators, teachers and public. Criticizes board for dismissing former Supt. Peters, whom he still supports.