ELECTIONS HUENEME : Challengers Say School Board Is Outdated

Charging that the entire Hueneme Elementary school board has served too long and ignores the concerns of parents, six challengers are trying to unseat three incumbents in a district where the junior board member was elected 17 years ago.

But the three incumbents seeking reelection on Nov. 6 argue that the Hueneme Elementary School District is economically sound, that it is garnering statewide attention for its fiscal and academic programs and that its teachers are among the highest-paid in Ventura County--all due in part to the stability of the board.

“I think one of the reasons our district is faring better than other districts around our area is because of our cohesiveness,” said incumbent Jose C. Babauta, who has served since 1973 and whose nine children graduated from district schools.

Incumbent Elaine K. Garber has served for 31 years and James K. Tipton for 25 years. Two other board members not up for reelection have served since 1959 and 1964.

Citing the district’s success, incumbents point to computerized “smart classrooms,” the high-tech sixth- through eighth-grade curriculum at Charles Blackstock School and a commendation from the Little Hoover Commission on the higher-than-average amount of district money that gets to the classroom. On Thursday, Supt. Ronald C. Rescigno is scheduled to testify before the commission, a Sacramento watchdog organization that monitors spending by public agencies.

While acknowledging that Hueneme schools for the most part are faring well, candidates have emerged in relatively big numbers in a district that usually draws few if any challengers.

Most contend that the board needs a fresh perspective.

Cheryl R. Hamilton, 33, whose two children attend district schools, said her family moved to Port Hueneme because of the district’s good reputation. But she said parents deserve more of a say in how schools are run.

“The people in office right now have done an excellent job,” Hamilton said. “But my family feels it’s time for parents of children that are in school today to take their turn and do their part.”

Incumbent Tipton, 59, stressed the present board’s years of working together and questioned whether new members would strengthen the board.

“I don’t know where new is going to make it any better,” he said.

Tipton said he would like to see the board continue with its goal of bringing E.O. Green School, which includes sixth to eighth grade, to the technological level of Blackstock.

Some challengers said they decided to run after a dispute last year in which Donald Barnes, then principal of Sunkist Elementary School, was transferred to a dean’s position at E.O. Green despite a petition signed by 300 parents asking that he remain at Sunkist.

Challenger Darlene A. Bruno, 37, a parent with two children in Hueneme schools, said Barnes’ transfer against parents’ wishes is an example of how the board is out of touch with parents and students.

“I think they’re getting past the time where they know what’s going on with children today,” Bruno said.

Incumbent Garber, however, said the argument that new blood is needed doesn’t hold up, precisely because the schools are in good shape.

“If we were a stuck-in-the-mud board, I could see that,” said Garber, 63. “I think the schools are good because we’ve been so stable. But we don’t sit back on our laurels.”

Challenger Toni Young questioned the quality of education in the schools, despite the district’s good reputation.

Young, who has two children in the district, said more programs for gifted children are needed. She added that because teachers’ salaries are high and the district is in good financial shape doesn’t mean that the children are learning more.

“The children I see coming out of Hueneme schools aren’t of any higher caliber than other districts,” said Young, 38. “All things given, I don’t think we find as a result of anything that’s being done that we have better-educated children.”

Bob Edwards, 45, a Realtor and tax preparer, said he would bring financial expertise to the board that is presently lacking. Edwards has two children in Hueneme schools.

“Many of the current school board members are just listening to members of the administration, and they don’t have the financial background to really understand,” Edwards said.

The district also needs to offer more instruction in music and the arts, he said.

Like other challengers, Gail Suval, 40, a Realtor and mother of two, commended the present board but said a parent’s view would broaden its perspective.

Challenger Jon Van Tilburg, a park superintendent, said board meetings should be more open. “They don’t seem to have any discussion,” said Van Tilburg, 46. “If the board acts as one, then they’re not doing their job.”

All the candidates have been invited to a PTA forum scheduled for Nov. 1 at 7 p.m., at Blackstock School, 710 Bard Road in Oxnard.