Superintendent to Seek Reelection

Ventura County schools Supt. Charles Weis, whose clashes with conservative school board members have defined his tenure, announced Thursday that he will seek reelection to the $112,000-a-year post.

Wayne Edmonds, 49, director of personnel with the Oxnard Union High School District since 1993, also announced this week that he would challenge Weis for the position.

The election is scheduled for June, and candidates cannot file nomination papers until February. There will be a run-off in November 1998 if one candidate does not receive a majority of the votes.

The superintendent heads an office that provides a variety of administrative functions for the county’s 21 school districts, as well as runs schools and programs for youths with special needs. Its budget is $39 million.

Weis, 47, has served as superintendent since 1993 and is a resident of Moorpark. Improving educational quality at local schools prompted his decision to run again, he said, despite discord at times with board members.

“I’ve learned a lot about trying to find common ground and move ahead in an atmosphere of hostility,” he said. “Our schools are now positioned to improve dramatically with the right leadership and support.”

Local schools have both the lowest-ever dropout rates and highest-ever SAT scores, Weis said.

If he wins reelection, Weis said, he plans to emphasize improving the academic performance of all students--not just the top achievers--by making the curriculum more relevant to them.

Observers of the board conflict have wondered whether its conservative faction will find a candidate to oppose Weis.

Edmonds, who has never run for public office, said he is not that candidate.

“I’m no one’s mouthpiece” said Edmonds, a self-described moderate Republican. “I don’t believe any particular side has a right to impose their values on others.”

The Camarillo resident joined the high school district as a special education teacher in 1971. He believes that the county education office could be run more cost-effectively.