HUNTINGTON BEACH : Incumbents Defend Records at Forum

Two incumbents on the Huntington Beach City School District board defended their nine-year records at a campaign forum this week as other school board candidates assailed the status quo and called the district mismanaged.

The 90-minute event held Thursday, the only forum held exclusively for the district’s seven candidates, provided a vivid view of a race that pits conservative stalwarts against those calling for sweeping changes.

Board President Sherry Barlow and trustee Patricia Cohen emphasized their experience and knowledge as well as the progress they believe the district has made since they both were first elected in 1981.

But trustee Robert Mann and three challengers said the district is woefully mismanaged. They further charge that some board members cannot work together and have ignored concerns of parents and teachers.

Barlow said she believes the board has “made a difference” by making “tough decisions” in the past decade. She stressed that the board has balanced its budget every year despite declining enrollment and cuts in state funding.

Cohen said she believes that during her tenure she has accumulated “a depth of knowledge not easily matched” and the board has “established the best budgeting process available.”

Candidate Shirley Carey charged the board has “siphoned off” district reserves to balance the budget, prompted a mass exodus of district staff members and frequently violated state public-meeting laws.

Brian Rechsteiner, another challenger, argued that the district has all the components to provide an effective education system, except “a dedicated school board.” He said he would consider possible unification with other districts, reorganizing--and perhaps reducing--the district’s administrative staff, and imposing a moratorium on spending of reserve funds.

Challenger Brian Garland also underscored the need for change and detailed plans for directing more money to classroom activities, improving communications, and bolstering pride. He also said he believes the district should consider unifying with other districts, including the high school district.

Michael J. Cassidy said he would try to increase district revenue by expanding business partnerships, and obtaining state and federal grants. He said he would consider unification with other districts and the reopening of one of the district’s four closed school sites.