ELECTIONS : Little Controversy in School Race : Oak Park: Seven candidates in the highly rated district agree on issues, including budget constraints, maintaining quality.

The seven contenders in the Nov. 2 election for the three seats on the Oak Park school board agree on just about everything--including the fact that voters will have to rely on personality and experience to distinguish one candidate from another.

In a district noted for its high school’s National Blue Ribbon award, its nonexistent dropout rate, and its affluent parents eager to support teachers and students, it is no surprise that there is little controversy to separate the candidates.

“There are no issues because the school district is meeting the community’s needs,” Supt. Marilyn Lippiatt said.

Yet the candidates--incumbents Wayne Blasman and Bob Kahn, and challengers Jeri Fox, Kevin Ketchum, Tami Lawler, Howard Levy and Wayne Sterling--do voice a wide range of concerns. Budget constraints top the list.

“We are better off than most districts,” said Kahn, 64, a sales and marketing manager whose only child graduated from Oak Park High School two years ago. “But that is not to say that we have all the funding that we need. We must be vigilant and make sure that the dollars coming in are put to their best use.”

Adds Lawler, 31, a community activist and mother of four: “I think we need to take a good look at our budget priorities. The district is focused on being innovative and that’s fine. But we must make sure we are meeting the needs of all the students and the teachers.”

In fact, innovation--or “restructuring” education to emphasize hands-on and practical experiences for the students--is key to the district’s reputation. The candidates agree that the philosophy is controversial, but they all support new teaching methods.

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At a recent community forum and in interviews, the candidates also advocated establishing a clearly defined set of standards at each grade level.

“Our consistent goal is to challenge all kids,” said Blasman, 40, president of an insurance brokerage and the father of four children. “And it is very important to have clearly defined outcomes at each grade level. A child should know what they should be accomplishing.”

The candidates also agree on their commitment to keeping good teachers, especially in light of contract negotiations that will begin in the spring.

“I’m concerned that our luck is going to run out,” said Sterling, 43, a divorced father of two children who owns an insurance agency. “We need to pay them more money. They need to be treated as professionals, and they need more planning time.”

Added Levy, 40, an ophthalmologist and father of two children: “Clearly, our teachers are one of our greatest resources. But we need to improve the teachers who might not be performing. And we need to analyze all our programs and attract money and human talent to benefit the district.”

The nominees also worry about the effect that the nearby Ahmanson Ranch project will have on Oak Park schools, even though it will be years before the first bulldozer begins shoveling dirt for the proposed development on the eastern boundary of Ventura County.

“Our strength in Oak Park is that we are a community-based school district,” said Ketchum, 41, chief executive officer of a real estate management firm and father of four. “Ahmanson threatens that. The school board is not in the business of stopping Ahmanson, but we can develop a sense of community within the school district.”

As the community grows, some residents privately worry about maintaining unity between the older east side of Oak Park and the newer west side.

“Obviously, communication between both areas needs to be better,” said Fox, 38, a marketing vice president and mother of three. “That is something to work on, to bring everyone together again.”

Only Sterling broached the subject of drugs.

“Drugs are everywhere,” said Sterling, who advocates the creation of a student activity center at the high school that would provide a place for teen-agers to socialize, study, and receive tutoring and peer counseling. “We need safe, alternative activities for kids.”

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While the candidates agree on most issues, they say it is their professional experience and their involvement in the schools and the community, rather than any controversy over issues, that will distinguish them with the voters.

Kahn, an active community member since he moved to Oak Park 17 years ago, and Blasman, the board’s president, say their board experience and involvement at the district level separates them from the other candidates.

Levy cites his own educational background and his “ability to analyze issues from all sides.” Ketchum, who says his company is similar in size to the Oak Park school district, offers his business and management experience. Sterling, who is active at Brookside School and is a member of the district’s substance abuse task force, and Fox, a two-term PTA president at Brookside, cite their commitment and involvement in the schools.

Lawler, a lifelong resident of Oak Park who attended its schools, cites an understanding of the schools at all levels.