SIMI VALLEY : Teachers Endorse 2 Board Candidates

The Simi Educators Assn., which represents about 700 teachers in Simi Valley, has endorsed school board candidates Sharon Hushka and Carla Kurachi, association officials announced Thursday.

Hushka and Kurachi are among six candidates vying for two seats on the Simi Valley Unified School District Board of Education in the Nov. 8 election. Kurachi, the current board president, is the only incumbent.

A committee of teachers interviewed five candidates last week, asking questions about their educational philosophies, goals, priorities and personal strengths.

Other candidates interviewed were the Rev. Norman Walker, Glenn Woodbury and Jacquie Richardson. Candidate Janice DiFatta declined to be interviewed.

Association President Ron Myren said Hushka and Kurachi were selected for their commitments to education and their leadership skills.

This is the second time that the association has endorsed Kurachi, having supported her for the school board race in 1990. A part-time counselor at Cal State Northridge, Kurachi said the endorsement is a significant boon to her campaign.

“It really means a lot to me,” she said. “I take it as a vote of faith.”

A homemaker and community activist, Hushka said she was pleased by the teachers’ show of support.

“It shows that I am the candidate representative of the students and teachers, and that I have an understanding of the needs of the school community,” she said.

Both candidates cited school safety and budget constraints as key issues in the election. Whoever fills the school board seats will inherit about a $3-million district deficit.