Laguna Beach Unified School District

Four candidates, including two incumbents, are running for seats on the board of the Laguna Beach Unified School District in the Nov. 3 election.

Timothy Carlyle

Age: 44.

Occupation: Incumbent; lawyer.

Background: Has served eight months on the Laguna Beach school board; Laguna Beach Little League senior league commissioner, 1989-91; Laguna Beach Education Foundation executive committee, 1990-92; St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation board, 1982-91; Laguna Beach Unified School District Capital Campaign co-chairman.

Priorities: Enhance math, science and foreign language programs; early and sustained introduction of computer technology into the classroom; low student-to-teacher ratio; expand visual and performing arts programs.

James Kreder

Age: 54.

Occupation: Incumbent; business owner, retirement plans consultant.

Background: Has served five years on the school board; North Laguna Community Assn. president, late 1970s; Laguna Beach Parking Traffic and Circulation Committee member, 1972-74; Laguna Beach General Plan Committee, 1974-75.

Priorities: Work toward “private school results” for students in a public school environment; complete the high school remodel; improve SAT math scores; implement high school community service program.

Don Vickers

Age: 48.

Occupation: Investment and construction manager.

Background: Former American Youth Soccer Organization and Laguna Beach High School soccer coach/referee; PTA and booster club member, 1975-1987; former community college teacher, corporate planner, systems development director and real estate broker.

Priorities: Establish specific, accountable education goals instead of general, unmeasurable goals; be open to alternative education and teaching techniques; be open with the public about school district problems, decisions and lawsuits; increase community involvement.

Jan Vickers

Age: 45.

Occupation: Substitute teacher, Laguna Beach Unified School District, since 1987.

Background: Laguna Beach school board member, 1981-87; preschool director 1972-83; former adult education teacher; PTA member, 1975-87; volunteer for American Youth Soccer Organization, Boy Scouts and Laguna Beach Methodist Church; artist.

Priorities: Use business and community to enhance school programs; ensure high school science facility is fully modernized; keep up with education needs as Laguna’s Latino population grows; use district personnel for projects rather than outside consultants when possible.