Anaheim City School District (Three seats)

Sandy Blumberg

Age: 32

Occupation: Employee benefits analyst/telecommuter

Background: President, PTA Council, representing 22 Anaheim City schools; president, School Site Council at Clara Barton Elementary School; member, Districtwide Fiscal Planning Team; parent representative to Facilities Planning Committee; member, Report Card Revision Committee; volunteer, Rolling Readers, USA, a nationwide reading program; Neighborhood Watch block captain; former Girl Scout leader

Issues: Wants parents to have more voice in district issues; find ways to relieve overcrowding by pursuing building classrooms and schools and work toward ending staggered schedule; continue with implementation of recently adopted district standards in language arts and mathematics and continually assess children to ensure they achieve success

Jazz Cisneros

Age: 47

Occupation: Homemaker/community volunteer

Background: Former principal and teacher; treasurer, Alexander J. Stoddard Elementary School PTA; treasurer, Anaheim Elementary Council PTA; Cadet Girl Scout leader; chair, Roston Creative Writing contest, a city library program

Issues: Supports strong English literacy program and high standards with a demanding curriculum; supports building schools and adding more classrooms; supports improved fiscal accountability in the district and an effort to build stronger links between schools and community

Thomas Holguin

Age: 45

Occupation: Business owner

Background: Former Anaheim community redevelopment commissioner; vice chairman, Anaheim Police Officers Honorary Assn.; former chairman, Anaheim’s Community Development Advisory Board; member, Anaheim Chamber of Commerce; board member, Anaheim Community Emergency Response Team; certified member and volunteer, Orange County Search and Rescue

Issues: Reduce overcrowding by immediately installing portable classrooms at schools; allow parents to be part of implementing school programs; supports back-to-basics curriculum of reading, writing and arithmetic and bringing technology into schools

Jerome M. Silverman

Age: 64

Occupation: Retired

Background: Retired engineer and project manager; chair, ACSD Facilities Planning Committee, now defunct; member, Double Session Committee, now defunct; past president, Temple Beth Emet; founding chairman, Ezra Center, an adult activity center; adult education teacher

Issues: Build more schools to deal with insufficient facilities; ensure quality by hiring best teachers, monitoring their classroom activity and providing support with development programs and mentors; implement prescribed standards to ensure students are English literate and at class level when they leave the district

Brad Wilkinson

Age: 26

Occupation: Educational community advisor

Background: Attended city’s schools; community volunteer

Issues: Relieve overcrowding by creating more classrooms and building more schools, believes double sessions are disastrous; supports English literacy so students can learn to read and write as quickly as possible; enforce zero-tolerance policies to ensure schools are free from gangs, drugs and weapons

Anaheim Union High School District (Three seats)

Alexandria A. Coronado

Age: 30

Occupation: Teacher/doctoral candidate at USC in music education

Background: Cypress Cultural Arts commissioner; member, Huntington Harbour Republican Women Federated

Issues: Supports back-to-basics academic curriculum; supports local control, keeping federal government out of local schools; ensure safe schools by eliminating drug and alcohol use, possession of weapons on campuses and gang activity

Benny Hernandez

Age: 41

Occupation: Family counselor and substitute teacher

Background: Board president, Anaheim City School District; president, KinderCaminata, a nonprofit group that exposes kindergartners to college; board member, Orange County School Board Assn.; member, Regional Advisory Board for YMCA Communities In Prevention; member, Orange County Transportation Authority Community Participation Group; past president, South Anaheim Neighborhood Council

Issues: Increase number of high school seniors who attend college and decrease high school dropouts; raise academic standards in all grades; support partnership with businesses to be involved in education programs

Lupe Lopez

Age: 25

Occupation: Schoolteacher

Background: Member, Committee for Native American Rights; grass-roots organizer and involved in community and education issues

Issues: Raise student testing scores to meet state standards; create programs to help students set career goals; ensure safety for all students on campuses

Harald G. Martin

Age: 44

Occupation: Police officer; incumbent

Background: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, master’s degree in public administration; board president, Anaheim Union High School District; two children attending high school in the district

Issues: Ensuring an high school diploma means students are ready for college or work without needing remedial classes or training; make sure students do not get promoted to next grade without having academic ability; maintain safe and clean campus environment for students and continue use of community police officers and community policing techniques on campuses

Manny Ontiveros

Age: 24

Occupation: Federal probation officer

Background: Bachelor’s degree in criminology and law, UC Irvine; chairman, Anaheim Parks and Recreation Commission; chairman, Anaheim Independencia Community Center; former Orange County Human Relations commissioner

Issues: Supports zero-tolerance policy on gangs and drugs; supports implementing Proposition 227, which ends bilingual education; supports school uniforms for junior high school students

Denise J. Reinking

Age: 43

Occupation: Nurse/community volunteer/homemaker

Background: Former school board member, Rio Linda Union School District (Sacramento); past president, PTA Unit and Council; past member, School Site Council and District Advisory Committee; member, California Assn. of Compensatory Education; past member, Lexington Junior High School Safety Committee and Lexington PTSA board; member, Cypress High School PTSA; AUHSD Instructional Material Review Committee; board member, Cypress Pony/Colt Baseball

Issues: Supports class-size reductions for all grades by adding portable classrooms, including equipment and updated computers; supports installing air conditioning in all classrooms; ensure students master basic skills with focus on reading first as the basis for academic excellence

Robert Stewart

Age: 50

Occupation: High school teacher

Background: Attended district schools, Golden West Community College and Cal State Long Beach; former Anaheim Union school board member, 1992-96; candidate, state superintendent of public instruction, 1994; parent of six children attending or who attended district schools; former small-business owner

Issues: Increase school safety; supports class-size reduction and alleviating overcrowded classrooms without use of portable buildings; supports back-to-basics instruction, including classes to teach students life skills

Brea Olinda Unified School District (Four seats)

Teresa Hampson

Age: 46

Occupation: Incumbent

Background: Degrees in English and journalism as well as a teaching credential from Cal State Los Angeles; teaches education part-time at Azusa Pacific University; former president of the PTA at Fanning Elementary School; former Brea Cultural Arts commissioner; wrote “Brea: Celebrating 75 Years,” a historical account

Issues: Maintain excellence by exceeding the status quo; train teachers and retain them; teachers especially need technology classes so they may spread their knowledge to students

Kenneth A. Kegel

Age: 38

Occupation: Teacher; incumbent

Background: Master’s degree in school administration, Chapman University; current school board president; volunteer

Issues: Supports school bond, if necessary, to upgrade and expand campuses; ensure academic integrity by instilling responsibility to entire school community; increase participation by students in decisions

David Martin

Age: 65

Occupation: Businessman

Background: Semiretired from real estate and car sales; former member, Brea Traffic Committee; was chairman for city’s 75th anniversary

Issues: Ensure children receive a proper education in an appropriate and economic manner; says he has all the time in the world and will run a campaign without posting any signs

James R. “Budd” Reed

Age: 38

Occupation: Business owner; appointed incumbent

Background: Bachelor’s degree in biology and master’s in bioengineering, University of Utah; owns an electronics manufacturing company; volunteered for Boy Scouts, youth soccer, PTA and church; served on school board’s Strategic Planning Committee

Issues: Continue to reduce more class sizes; build new elementary school and refurbish and upgrade older campuses; maintain fiscally conservative budget but reward teachers

Joe Rollino

Age: 39

Occupation: Businessman

Background: Former member, Brea Planning Commission, Brea Lions Scout Center board and Brea Lions Club; member, Brea High School soccer booster club

Issues: Deal with student growth by expanding and upgrading campuses and building another middle school; continue to attract and retain qualified teachers while minimizing number hired through waivers and “emergency credentials”

Buena Park School District (Three seats; Robert D. Thompson was appointed to fill an unexpired fourth seat that was uncontested)

Mike Cavenee

Age: 56

Occupation: Vehicle maintenance supervisor for Fullerton Joint Union High School

Background: High school diploma, Lindberg High School; executive board member, Buena Park Noon Lions; executive board member, Buena Park Historical Society; volunteer, Gilbert Elementary School; coach, Peanut Baseball Program; Buena Park resident for 25 years

Issues: Raising student test stores, especially the SAT 9; trying to get Measure K passed, in order to begin repairs on aging school facilities; maintaining a safe, secure environment for the students to learn

Mary C. Fuhrman

Age: 65

Occupation: Retired teacher; incumbent

Background: Trustee for one term; bachelor’s degree in music and education, San Jose State University; taught in Buena Park for 23 years; organizer, Beatty Reading Volunteers, tutor group for children; member, American Assn. of University Women; member, Delta Kappa Gamma, a women’s professional educators group; member, William Hall Master Chorale; Buena Park resident for 31 years

Issues: Working with staff to raise student reading, writing and math achievements; supports Measure K, the school bond issue; encourage more volunteer participation, especially in after-school tutoring and reading programs

Bob Niccum

Age: 51

Occupation: Director of real estate and asset management for Los Angeles Unified School District

Background: Bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in business administration, Cal State Fullerton; Buena Park planning commissioner; president, Buena Park Library District Board; Buena Park resident for 22 years

Issues: Focus on establishing policies, and providing resources to implement them, to help students reach greater achievement; preventing the board from micromanaging the district and allow parents and principals to have a greater say; supports Measure K, the school bond issue, and working to promote a new one if the current initiative fails

Beth Swift

Age: 49

Occupation: High school teacher, La Habra High School; incumbent

Background: Trustee since 1979; bachelor’s degree in home economics and history and teaching credential, Cal State Long Beach; pursuing master’s degree in school administration at Azusa Pacific University; PTA, Buena Park High School; member, School Site Council, Buena Park High School; Buena Park resident for 49 years

Issues: Favors Measure K, the school bond issue that would fund facility repairs; improving and expanding school libraries, which she believes are the key to getting children to read; focusing on the basic skills of reading and writing

Capistrano Unified School District (Three seats; incumbent Crystal Kochendorfer is running unopposed in Trustee Area 4)

TRUSTEE AREA 6 (one seat)

Shelia Henness

Age: 43

Occupation: Incumbent (elected in June)

Background: Attended Cerritos College; executive board member, Orange County PTA (elected in 1995); past president, Capistrano Unified Council of PTSAs; member, Performing Arts Advisory Board in Laguna Niguel

Issues: Look at all ways to secure funds to build new schools, including working with state Legislature and developers; raise academic standards through increased teacher and administrator accountability; maintain safe learning environment by retaining district’s zero-tolerance policy against alcohol, drugs and weapons

Steven Rice

Age: 42

Occupation: Business lawyer

Background: Bachelor’s degree in economics, Occidental College; law degree, Harvard University; member, Moulton Elementary Site Council; volunteer, Moulton Elementary and Niguel Hills Middle schools; director, Crest de Ville Community Assn.; volunteer with local youth sports including soccer and girls softball

Issues: Take steps to avoid facilities crisis by making sure schools are built when neighborhoods open; improve academic performance and test scores by implementing system of board accountability; use technology efficiently by determining which subjects are best taught by computer and which are not, and prepare students to use workplace technology

TRUSTEE AREA 7 (one seat)

Dorsey Brause

Age: 71

Occupation: Retired public school administrator; incumbent

Background: PhD in public school administration, Ohio State University; worked as superintendent of schools in Ohio; former president, Spring Arbor University (Michigan); member of Rotary and Chamber of Commerce groups

Issues: Tackle rapid district growth through experience in getting schools and libraries built; improve standardized test scores by making it a goal for the superintendent; continue cooperation between teachers and district officials through respect and by seeking common ground in disputes

Suzy Elliott

Age: 49

Occupation: Self-employed

Background: Certified hotel administrator; PTSA president, Capistrano Valley High School; legislation chair, Capistrano Council of PTSAs; CUSD chair, Attendance Boundary Committee; member, Capistrano Valley High School Site Council, League of Women Voters and Chamber of Commerce; active with Little League and Cub Scouts

Issues: Work with state Legislature, developers and communities to build new schools and protect the 20-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio in all grades; return control and decision-making to district by working with local legislators; work to pass legislation to stop government mandates forcing district to pay for state programs out of its general fund

Fountain Valley School District (Three seats)

Bruce Crawford

Age: 52

Occupation: Manages an engineering firm, freelance writer

Background: Bachelor’s degree, UCLA; 22-year resident of Fountain Valley; Vietnam War veteran

Issues: Emphasize the “three Rs” to the highest standards; protect parental rights and taxpayer money; place academics before nonacademic programs

Judith Edwards

Age: 58

Occupation: Special-education teacher

Background: Teacher for 25 years; former state president, California Assn. of Resources Specialists; PTA and PTO member

Issues: Make sure every child is a fluent reader by third grade; maintain balanced budget

Tony McCombs

Age: 41

Occupation: School board member, building inspector

Background: Thirty years in construction and building inspection; PTA technology chairman; technology education volunteer

Issues: Continue enhancing curriculum; integrate technology into curriculum; keep school sites well-maintained

Lance Pinkham

Age: 41

Occupation: District manager for Frigidaire Home Products

Background: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees; member, Action Committee for Education; PTA/PTO member; school volunteer

Issues: Strong local control of funds; “every taxpayer, especially the 80% with no children in our elementary schools, deserves leadership, accountability and, most importantly, results from the school district”

Robert J. Sedlak

Age: 40

Occupation: Accountant; incumbent school board president

Background: Bachelor’s degree, Cal Poly Pomona; government finance officer for 18 years; PTA member at two schools

Issues: Keep district “one of California’s best”; continue modernizing school facilities; encourage parental involvement; attract and reward good teachers

Fullerton School District (Three seats)

Ellen Ballard

Age: 50

Occupation: Retired teacher

Background: Bachelor’s degree in elementary school education and teaching credential, UCLA; taught at Valencia Park Elementary School for 10 years; volunteer, Assistance League; Fullerton resident for 33 years

Issues: Maintain high academic standards through rigorous curriculum; continue to share responsibility with parents, students, teachers, administrators and trustees; push for strong leadership on all levels

Karen Chavez

Age: 35

Occupation: Teacher, Chino Valley Unified School District

Background: Bachelor’s degree and teaching credential, Cal State Fullerton; held trustee term in 1992; parent volunteer at Acacia Elementary School; Fullerton resident for 17 years

Issues: Accept responsibility as a board to please its clients, the parents; emphasize basic skills curriculum; implement Proposition 227, English instruction for non-English speakers

Conrad J. DeWitte

Age: 50

Occupation: Business owner

Background: Bachelor’s degree in economics and master’s degree in finance, Michigan State University; former Fullerton city councilman; former Fullerton Library board trustee; served in U.S. Coast Guard; Fullerton resident for 17 years

Issues: Focus on basic skills; raise test scores by making teachers and schools more accountable; implement Proposition 227

Robert C. Fisler

Age: 88

Occupation: Retired teacher; incumbent

Background: Board member for 21 years (five terms); bachelor’s degree in math and science, University of Wisconsin; former Fullerton Parks and Recreation chairman; Fullerton resident for 42 years

Issues: Maintain reading programs; make efforts to get more money in the district; improve staff development through training

Robert M. Pavlovich

Age: 47

Occupation: Talent agent

Background: Volunteer, Acacia Elementary School; member, Fullerton Rangers soccer league

Issues: Raise teacher salaries by lobbying, if necessary; give students a say in what happens in school--and use their feedback to make change; implement multilingual language training, wants to see all students become multilingual

Marjorie B. Pogue

Age: 71

Occupation: Retired teacher; incumbent

Background: Served on board for eight years; bachelor’s degree in elementary education, UC Santa Barbara; former president, Fullerton Sister City Assn.; member, Children’s League and Women League of Voters; Fullerton resident for 33 years

Issues: Helping non-English-speaking students learn to speak, read and write in English; raising standards on academics to more than just basics; keeping salaries competitive for teachers and other district employees

Anthony M. Valla

Age: 63

Occupation: High school teacher, Tracy High School in Cerritos; incumbent

Background: Served on board for four years; bachelor’s degree in classical languages, Gonzaga University (Spokane, Wash.); master’s degree in school administration, Cal State Long Beach; PTA member; served on Community Services Commission; Fullerton resident for 22 years

Issues: Protect public school system; continue trend of class-size reduction, including Beechwood and Maplewood schools expansions; continue to develop partnership between trustees, parents and administrators

Garden Grove Unified (Two seats)

Andrew Aames

Age: 42

Occupation: State workers’ compensation attorney

Background: Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and minor in computer science, Boston College; former computer programmer for Space Shuttle Program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology; former junior high school math and science teacher; former counselor at YMCA; former Boy Scout, Order of the Arrow honor

Issues: Wants less forced busing; new honors programs to encourage reading and writing; improve school lunch and breakfast nutritional value

Terry Cantrell

Age: 45

Occupation: School principal; incumbent, elected in 1994

Background: Orange County educator for 24 years; law degree from Western State University; gives preventive legal advice for nonprofit organizations

Issues: Supports English-only instruction, class-size reduction and technology implementation

Bob Harden

Age: 42

Occupation: Technical manager, credit reporting firm in Orange; incumbent, elected in 1994

Background: Bachelor’s degree in radio and television, Cal State Long Beach; former Garden Grove General Plan advisory committee member; coached Fountain Valley youth baseball; AYSO soccer referee; state School Board Assn. delegate

Issues: Opposes year-round schools; supports raising bar for academic standards districtwide; supports Proposition 227, the anti-bilingual education measure

Douglas Hitchcock

Age: 31

Occupation: Real estate salesman

Background: Grew up in Garden Grove; completing broker’s license; former Garden Grove Boys Club member

Issues: Opposes private school vouchers and bilingual education; supports class-size reduction through high school

Huntington Beach City School District (Three seats)

Shirley Carey

Age: 59

Occupation: Nursing consultant; incumbent

Background: Serves on the Community Services Commission, the Children’s Needs Task Force and the Pride (DARE) Foundation Board; past president of the American Assn. of University Women; member, California School Boards Assn.

Issues: Preserve Gisler Middle School, reopen it to relieve overcrowding and provide more sports sites; bring all facilities up to date; continue to improve high standards for academics

Brian F. Garland

Age: 58

Occupation: Principal of Edison High School; incumbent

Background: Named 1995 California Principal of the Year; board member, Teacher Center of Orange County; founding president, West Orange County Consortium for Special Education; member, State Board of Education Task Force; chairman, Orange County High School Principals, Region No. 17

Issues: Focus budget priorities on academic fundamentals and align curriculum with high schools; allow local control of decision making in both curriculum and assessment of performance standards; maintain emphasis on fiscal responsibility and accountability

Celia Jaffe

Age: 37

Occupation: Community volunteer and parent

Background: Past PTA president and School Site Council member; past Girl Scout leader; assistant soccer coach; serves on District Advisory Committee and Huntington Beach Union High School District Council

Issues: Need long-range planning for aging facilities; analyze and conclude whether it is feasible to reopen Gisler Middle School; buy new software and train teachers in its use; give community members and employees a bigger role in decision making

Robert J. Mann

Age: 52

Occupation: Teacher; incumbent

Background: Has taught for more than 30 years and twice been named a mentor teacher; Vietnam War veteran; received budget and facilities training from California School Boards Assn.

Issues: Reopen Gisler Middle School; expand and improve all school sites; create an effective leadership team with teachers, administrators and nonteaching employees

Don Pate

Age: 65

Occupation: Retired educator and supervisor of student teachers at Cal State Long Beach

Background: Worked as teacher, administrator and principal in several district schools; active in First Christian Church; supports Scouting and YMCA activities

Issues: Find solutions for deterioration of buildings and provide more space for students; provide technology and computer training for students; improve methods of identifying and treating reading problems in early grades

Huntington Beach Union High School District (Three seats)

Cindi Arthur

Age: 43

Occupation: Community volunteer

Background: Former Westminster School District trustee; founding member and former director, Westminster School District Foundation for Educational Excellence; Booster Club football president at Westminster High School; 20-year PTA member; member, HBUHSD Community Advisory Committee on Facilities

Issues: Wants to make district’s aging facilities the top priority; would like a more open budget process with a document easier for public to understand; wants to try for class-size reduction in ninth grade and would curb abuses of open enrollment system

Bonnie Castrey

Age: 56

Occupation: Mediator and arbitrator; incumbent

Background: Former president, International Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution; member, Board of National Industrial Relations Research Assn., American Arbitration Assn. and American Assn. of University Women; presidential appointee to Federal Service Impasses Panel; volunteer, Huntington Youth Shelter, Fountain Valley Hospital Investigational Drug Committee and Huntington Beach Community Clinic

Issues: Wants to keep campus safety a top priority and modernize aging campuses; would continue strategic planning, with a focus on resources for programs for all students; continue to help students at greatest risk and maintain rigorous academic standards

Leonard Crane

Age: 57

Occupation: Retired custom floor coverer

Background: Volunteers with numerous sports activities in after-school programs; works with children in the Westminster Boys & Girls Club

Issues: Wants full analysis of finances to make sure funds are being spent properly; supports better jobs program for students, and would bring back electives such as shop and find a better method of choosing textbooks; believes district needs more sports programs to include more children

Sallie E. Dashiell

Age: 46

Occupation: Professor at California New Hope University, a 2-year-old private graduate school in Stanton for teachers of the disabled, with about 25 students

Background: Master’s degree in speech pathology; member of PTA; volunteer Sunday School teacher; licensed community care provider; former public school teacher

Issues: Wants programs to focus on character-building and critical thinking; would offer more technology to students and teachers; wants community to work more closely with schools

Andrea Graboff

Age: 45

Occupation: Registered physical therapist and homemaker

Background: PTA board member; school site council member; volunteer with Children’s Theater Experience; member, textbook adoption committee; classroom volunteer

Issues: Wants to develop standards and policies to raise student achievement; would focus on finding solutions to declining physical conditions of district’s buildings, and put resources toward updated textbooks and state-of-the-art labs; supports strong balanced budget that reflects fiscal responsibility

Matthew Harper

Age: 24

Occupation: Marine export businessman

Background: Member, Huntington Beach High School Alumni Assn., USC General Alumni Assn.; Orange County representative for Young Republican Federation of California

Issues: Wants to help students reach higher academic achievement by focusing on English and math as core subjects; supports full implementation of English immersion and Proposition 227, the initiative opposed to bilingual education; wants more accountability from administrators and finance officials; would promote a greater role for parents and students in decision-making

Jeanne Salinas

Age: 52

Occupation: Community volunteer

Background: Westminster traffic commissioner; president, Westminster High School Parent Teacher Student Assn.; director, Westminster School District’s Foundation for Educational Excellence; member, VFW Auxiliary

Issues: Restore deteriorating buildings and school sites to raise school spirits, civic pride and increase property values; promote more fiscal accountability; believes quality education results from a “shared vision” among parents, teachers, students, staff and administrators

Irvine Unified School District

(Two seats; Atiya Akbar and John E. York withdrew from the race)

Sue Banes

Age: Declined to state

Occupation: Elementary school teacher

Background: Bachelor’s degree in business management, Arizona State University; director, 4th District PTA, covering Orange and parts of Los Angeles counties

Issues: Ensure children continue to receive an excellent education in the district; supports school facility bond

Steven S. Choi

Age: Declined to state

Occupation: Coastline College professor/private school owner

Background: Bachelor’s degree in English and education, Kyung Hee University (Korea); master’s and doctoral degrees in library and information science, Louisiana State University and University of Pittsburgh, respectively; serves as principal at a weekend school; volunteers for church group that serves breakfast to homeless Sundays

Issues: Raise academic standards, including increased use of computer technology in classrooms; strengthen ethics education; opposes an airport at El Toro to ensure quiet classrooms

Ellen Lee

Age: 50

Occupation: Cal State Fullerton professor/registered nurse

Background: Bachelor’s degree in child development, Cal State Fullerton; master’s degree in health science, Cal State Long Beach; founded nonprofit preventive health care program known as TEDDY; former member, Sir Optimus in Irvine, Women for Orange County, National Charity League, Assistance League of Newport Beach, Irvine Temporary Housing; teaches health course to Elder Care employees

Issues: District needs more registered nurses; opposes an airport at El Toro because of health concerns; proposes summer reading and language programs for students in need

Kevin J. McElroy

Age: 42

Occupation: Coastline College vice president

Background: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public administration, San Diego State and Cal State Long Beach, respectively; assistant coach for AYSO; president, Brio Homeowners Assn.; past treasurer, Coastline Community College Foundation

Issues: Continue funding for class-size reductions and other facility issues; work closely with state legislators; develop partnerships with community

Lance Neal

Age: 32

Occupation: High school teacher/coach

Background: Former Irvine Unified student who has two elementary school children in the district

Issues: Increase funding for athletics, including hiring more elementary and middle school teachers specializing in physical education; ensure more accountability from administrators; downsize district office to free more funding for schools

Peter K. Rundle

Age: 38

Occupation: Attorney

Background: Bachelor’s degree in Latin and Greek classics, UC Irvine; law degree, Hastings College of Law; volunteer arbitrator for Bar Assn.; Orange County delegate to state bar convention

Issues: Ensure sufficient funding for programs so Irvine schools continue to excel; seek additional nonrestricted funds for various projects; support school facility bond initiative

Margie Wakeham

Age: 54

Occupation: Executive director for nonprofit Families Forward; incumbent

Background: Bachelor’s degree in sociology, University of Oregon; boardsmanship certificate, California School Board Assn.; certificate in nonprofit management, UC Irvine; volunteer, Irvine Community Hospital, Junior Women’s Club, Boys & Girls Club; board member, Irvine Temporary Housing

Issues: Strengthen standards and accountability; supports long-term facility maintenance and new school developments to offset overcrowded schools; desires more local control

Rob Wolf

Age: 40

Occupation: California Graduate Institute at Irvine professor/psychologist

Background: Bachelor’s degree in education, University of Texas at Austin; master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology, California Graduate Institute (Los Angeles); site council member for Brywood Elementary; coach, manager, board member, Irvine Pony Baseball; coach, AYSO; member, district Health Advisory Task Force

Issues: Visiting schools to find out what teachers and students want; supports additional safety measures for campuses; ensure equality for all children

Laguna Beach Unified School District

(Three seats)

Ali Abdolsalehi

Age: 20

Occupation: University student, computer consultant

Background: Enrolled in PhD program in neuropsychology at UC Irvine; also studying international relations; member, Greater Orange County Youth Leadership Council; Community Anti-Drug Assn. representative; music and math tutor at Boys & Girls Club

Issues: Bring more technology into district, and make sure teachers know how to make the most of it; create safeguards to prevent court battles when former district employees quit or are fired; increase communication districtwide and eliminate closed board sessions

Bernard J. Frimond

Age: 51

Occupation: Attorney, college instructor

Background: Bachelor’s degree in French, University of Florida; law degree, Western State University College of Law; business law instructor at Saddleback College; Boy Scouts parent leader

Issues: Believes district will get less money and more students than expected in the Newport Coast agreement; district needs more forethought and long-range planning in financial matters; board should listen to people more and hold more discussions outside closed meetings

Ron Harris

Age: 52

Occupation: Attorney

Background: Bachelor’s degree in Asian history, UC Irvine; law degree, Western State University; president, South Laguna Civic Assn.; board member, School Power, Laguna Greenbelt, Laguna Canyon Foundation and No Jets

Issues: Have board exercise better judgment in all decisions, especially personnel matters; expand class-size reduction to all grades, from current K-3 standard; have board establish good rapport with teachers, district staff and parents

Susan Mas

Age: 56

Occupation: Incumbent

Background: Bachelor’s degree in geography, Middlebury College; master’s degree in linguistics, New York University; doctoral work in geography, University of Oregon; helped found nation’s first bilingual school, in New York, in 1972; president of CREATE, a nonprofit fostering business and educational partnerships

Issues: District needs to refocus on education and review curriculum to make sure it is relevant; create stronger learning environments by giving teachers more professional development and giving students real-world exposure via internships; upgrade facilities, including making them more technology-friendly

Kathryn A. Turner

Age: 62

Occupation: Incumbent

Background: Bachelor’s degree in nursing, UCLA; master’s degree in education, Columbia University; law degree, Western State University; registered nurse; retired dean of health and science at Long Beach City College; member, Laguna Beach Open Space Commission

Issues: Maintain financial safeguards enacted since district’s 1996 fiscal crisis; improve and coordinate curriculum, increase use of technology; set priorities and tackle vital facilities improvements

Jan Vickers

Age: 51

Occupation: Substitute teacher

Background: Bachelor’s degree in studio art, UC Irvine; elementary, secondary and early childhood teaching credentials; school board member, 1981-87 and 1992-96; director, Laguna Methodist Church day-care center for 11 years

Issues: Improve outdated facilities and perhaps issue bonds to pay for repairs; improve board’s dealings with public, teachers and other personnel by having more openness in meetings and making careful hiring decisions; seek grants and private-sector donations to improve technology in schools

Robert J. Whalen

Age: 45

Occupation: Incumbent

Background: Bachelor’s degree in urban affairs, Harvard University; law degree, UC Berkeley; past president and board member, Laguna Beach Little League and Orange County Bar Assn.; former School Power board member; AYSO soccer coach

Issues: Assess and improve curriculum, comparing it to other districts and bringing it in line with state standards; upgrade district facilities, creating long-term modernization plan and repairing worst cases over six to nine months; institute financial plan to facilitate first two goals through local funds, state money, developer fees and possibly a local bond issue

Los Alamitos Unified School District

(Two seats)

Marilyn Bates

Age: 51

Occupation: Education/management consultant

Background: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, UC Berkeley; master’s degree in counseling, Cal State Los Angeles; doctorate in education, Kensington University (Glendale); teaching credential from Cal State Los Angeles; administrative credentials, UC Irvine; founded Staff Development Institute, which provides teacher workshops and training; has worked as teacher, administrator, counselor and psychologist and co-director of staff development program in Long Beach Unified School District

Issues: Ensure academic achievement is equal to or better than similar schools throughout California; believes schools are over-enrolled, form committee to examine if numbers should be reduced; rewrite interdistrict transfer policy to limit numbers of students from outside district

Melissa C. Carr

Age: 36

Occupation: Lawyer, educator

Background: Bachelor’s degree in communication, UCLA; law degree, Southwestern University; director, World of Difference Institute, Orange County-Long Beach, which sponsors anti-bias educational programs in schools; member of California bar since 1987

Issues: Protect district’s academic reputation by making sure programs will prepare students for challenges after graduation; teach students more about human relations, getting along with others and respecting differences; have school board evaluate policies in place for 10 years or more to see if they are meeting goals

M. Kent Gregory

Age: 41

Occupation: Music teacher, Garden Grove schools

Background: Bachelor’s degree in music, Millikin University (Illinois); master’s in music, USC; PhD in education, Pepperdine University; board member, California Music Educators Assn.

Issues: Better control of overcrowding by reevaluating students allowed via interdistrict transfers; provide more parent and community input to school board; supports moving Orange County High School of the Arts to Bloomfield Street, but thinks community concerns regarding traffic need to be addressed in more detail

Kathi O’Brien

Age: 49

Occupation: Student/administrative assistant, real estate firm; incumbent school board president, first-term member

Background: Student at Cal State, Long Beach, working on bachelor’s degree in human development and gerontology; PTA council board member

Issues: District should continue evaluating curriculum, as well as how students are tested and what the outcomes of those tests are; better communication to parents about school programs and finances; ensure district maintains its fiscal soundness while planning infrastructure improvements

Cathie A. Salai

Age: 46

Background: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, University of Pittsburgh; sales manager for GTE directories in Los Alamitos, 1978-1990; involved in PTAs, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts; producer for local access cable TV

Issues: Better, more comprehensive long-term planning on many issues, such as academic standards, testing and curriculum; better district communication with parents and community; opposes moving Orange County High School of the Arts from Los Alamitos High School to Bloomfield Street campus, instead thinks issue should be studied within context of long-range plan

Magnolia School District

(Three seats)

Clifford E. Breeden Jr.

Age: 41

Occupation: Criminal investigator

Background: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration, San Diego State University; Neighborhood Watch; PTA; Little League coach; Anaheim resident for 10 years

Issues: Improving community involvement; increasing funding for after-school programs; improving “back to basics” skills

Rick Cleveland

Age: 43

Occupation: Regional sales manager

Background: Bachelor’s degree in political science, University of Arizona; chairman of local Neighborhood Watch group; Anaheim resident for 10 years

Issues: Continuing supervised growth of student body; working toward greater parent involvement; creating challenging education through curriculum changes

Steven H. Staveley

Age: 54

Occupation: La Habra chief of police; incumbent

Background: Bachelor’s degree in public administration, University of Redlands; served on board for three terms; former La Habra assistant city manager; served two terms on Anaheim Parks and Recreation Commission; two terms on Community Services Commission; resident for 25 years

Issues: Improving district’s fiscal health; improving staff quality and training; creating more after-school programming

Esther H. Wallace

Age: 70

Occupation: Retired high school teacher; incumbent

Background: Bachelor’s degree in science, University of Pittsburgh; teaching credential, Cal State Fullerton; served on board since 1979; Anaheim Parks and Recreation commissioner; president, Anaheim Beautiful; delegate assemblywoman, California School Board Assn.; Anaheim resident for 38 years

Issues: Improving and maintaining facilities; improving test scores; improving the lives of children in the district, such as those who live in motels

Newport-Mesa Unified School District

TRUSTEE AREA 4

(One seat)

Kathy Schwarz

Age: 51

Occupation: Elementary school teacher

Background: Bachelor’s degree in English, University of Redlands; elementary education credential, UC Riverside; science teacher at Anderson Elementary School; president, Harbor View Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization; active with Corona del Mar High School site council, super boosters and cross-country booster club

Issues: Criticized investments lost in Orange County bankruptcy and board handling of Ryan Huntsman, a teen suspended under district’s zero-tolerance drug policy; district can improve SAT scores by requiring students to read more; trustees should address capital improvement needs at district schools, review all funding options for improvements and visit school sites to see problems firsthand

Serene R. Stokes

Age: 69

Occupation: Incumbent

Background: Bachelor’s degree in education, Cal State Los Angeles; master’s degree in educational administration, Cal State Long Beach; master’s in boardsmanship, California School Boards Assn.; member, Sister Cities board, Interfaith Council, Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce, Women in Leadership, Speak Up Newport, California Retired Teachers Assn.

Issues: Tackle deferred maintenance at district schools after a staff review of needs is finished; rewrite district’s strategic plan to better outline goals and objectives; set benchmarks within district to better gauge how students are doing

TRUSTEE AREA 5

(One seat)

Judith A. Franco

Age: 61

Occupation: Incumbent

Background: Bachelor’s degrees in social studies, English and child growth and development, and K-9 teaching credential, UC Berkeley; master’s in boardsmanship, California School Boards Assn.; member of PTAs at Newport Elementary, Ensign Intermediate and Newport Harbor High schools; board member of Central Orange Coast YMCA and state YMCA Youth in Government Program; member Harbor Court Area Gang Task Force

Issues: Update district’s strategic plan by consulting with teachers, parents and community; restructure district’s budget by examining every department and school and ensuring money is being spent in best way possible; review district curriculum to make sure it aligns with state standards and compares favorably with academics in neighboring districts

Tom Szulga

Age: 33

Occupation: Bond trader

Background: Bachelor’s degree in business, Cal State Northridge; active in programs at Newport Heights Elementary School

Issues: Reverse the trend of dropping SAT scores in district, and seek pointers from other districts; revise district’s zero-tolerance drug policy and leave off-campus violations to police; change policy regarding adult-education classes at closed school sites because of impact on surrounding neighborhoods when night classes adjourn

Ocean View School District

(Three seats)

Roger Ho

Age: 29

Occupation: Internet publisher

Background: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science, UC Irvine and University of Hawaii, respectively; has taught adult education classes and English classes in China; volunteers with Asian groups

Issues: Opposes putting Wal-Mart on vacant Crest View school site because old sites may be needed to ease overcrowding; supports televised meetings and transcripts published on the Internet to make board more accessible to public; supports full implementation of English immersion programs and a back-to-basics curriculum

Carol Kanode

Age: 61

Occupation: School nurse; incumbent

Background: Master’s degree in education, Pepperdine University; co-founder, Huntington Youth Shelter; chairman, Huntington Beach Children’s Task Force; named 1994 Woman of the Year by former Assemblywoman Doris Allen and California School Nurse of the Year in 1992; volunteers with therapeutic riding center; member, American Assn. of University Women and Assistance League; nurse practitioner in pediatrics

Issues: Reduced class sizes in more grades; would start after-school program with city that focuses on homework and recreation; wants uniform method of tracking student progress from kindergarten through high school

Tracy Pellman

Age:43

Occupation: Registered nurse; incumbent

Background: Member, Huntington Beach Children’s Task Force, Club 100 of United Way, American Heart Assn., American Academy of Pediatrics and violence prevention committee, Teacher Center Policy Board and other medical and educational organizations; has lived in district since 1978

Issues: Would continue expanding class-size reduction and technology programs; encourage partnerships with parents and businesses and expand music and fine arts program

Jim Peters

Age: 42

Occupation: Educational consultant

Background: Was involved in a high-profile court case in 1994, when district wanted to move his 7-year-old son, Jimmy Peters, into special education classes because officials said he was prone to violent outbursts. District spent more than $200,000 unsuccessfully fighting Peters in court. Peters now says he counsels other districts and parents on legal issues

Issues: Wants to bring in new technology; opposes leasing vacant Crest View school site to Wal-Mart; wants to stop “social promotion” of children in academic trouble and provide tutoring instead

Pam Walker

Age: 41

Occupation: Controller for an advertising agency; incumbent

Background: Former treasurer and president, Circle View School PTA; former treasurer for Robinwood Little League, St. Bonaventure Boy Scouts and Circle View Girl Scouts; involved with football booster club at Marina High School; served on committee for school district reorganization at Orange County Department of Education

Issues: Bring class-size reduction to more grade levels and expand fine-arts programs; would continue funding for more capital improvements; growth in all curriculum and in teacher training

Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District

(Two seats)

Cathy Ann Brooks

Withdrew her bid for reelection

Karin M. Freeman

Age: 51

Occupation: Former English instructor in Germany; former customer service manager; incumbent

Background: Has served on board for nine years; bachelor’s degree, UC Irvine; former president, Parent Teacher Assn. at Linda Vista Elementary; former member, Site Council; former board member, Yorba Linda Elementary School District, now defunct; board member, North Orange County Regional Occupational Program; president, Orange County School Boards Assn.; 14-year member, Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce, including member of chamber’s education and legislative committees; member, steering committee, North Orange County Leadership Institute; founding member and archivist, Yorba Linda Heritage Museum

Issues: Focus on delivering a comprehensive reading program dedicated to sharpening and strengthening student skills; focus on districtwide coordination of technology and integration of technology into the core curriculum; work on implementation of Proposition 227, the English-language instruction initiative

Jan Wagner

Age: 49

Occupation: Placentia-Yorba Linda Educational Foundation president

Background: Involved with school district 18 years, including past president of Parent Teacher Assn. at Fairmont Elementary School and Bernardo Yorba Middle School; board member, Esperanza High School PTA; member, Vocal Music Boosters at Esperanza; member, Placentia and Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce education committees; board member, district’s PTA Council; steering committee member, North Orange County Leadership Institute at Cal State Fullerton

Issues: Supports a greater emphasis on technology training and critical-thinking skills to prepare students for 21st century careers; supports setting high standards and developing strategies to assure students meet or exceed standards; as teacher shortage worsens, supports putting more emphasis on district training program for new teachers and programs assigning experienced teachers as mentors

Saddleback Valley Unified School District

(Two seats)

Dore J. Gilbert

Age: 48

Occupation: Physician; incumbent

Background: Medical degree, USC; associate clinical professor at UCLA; trustee since 1981; helped develop the district’s summer reading program

Issues: Emphasis on strong basic academic subjects such as reading and math; implementing 20-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio in grades K-8 and in 9th-grade math; maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy

Sandie Franklin-Gonzales

Age: 53

Occupation: Customer relations and marketing director

Background: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, UC San Diego; former teacher; member, League of Women Voters and Women’s Coalition of Santa Ana

Issues: Accountability for teachers, students, administrators and trustees; campus safety; maintain rigorous academic standards

Nancy Kirkpatrick

Age: 43

Occupation: Appointed trustee; incumbent

Background: Bachelor’s degree in Spanish, UCI; master’s degree in Spanish literature, New York University; management consultant; PTA volunteer; Cub Scout leader; former high school and community college instructor

Issues: Maintain clear, high standards to measure success; encourage reading by continued support of district’s summer reading program; remain fiscally conservative

Charles C. Perry

Age: 48

Occupation: High school teacher

Background: Teaching credential, UC Irvine; former board member, Moulton Niguel Water District; high school athletics coach

Issues: Develop programs to improve student test scores; watch budget and spending; expanding classroom space

Frank L. Ury

Age: 34

Occupation: Engineer

Background: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Notre Dame; master’s degree in electrical engineering, USC; master’s in business administration, USC; former Saddleback Valley Unified School District trustee, 1992-96; former member, California State Technology Commission; co-author of Proposition 226, the failed campaign reform initiative that would have forced unions to get members’ approval before spending dues for political purposes

Issues: Adding full-time music, art and physical education teachers; hire full-time librarians and expand library facilities; increase accountability by having school board meetings televised

Santa Ana Unified School District

(Two seats)

Jim Colon

Age: 47

Occupation: Computer network engineer

Background: Graduate, Occidental College; president, Academic Booster Club; former member, School Site Council and Title I Funding and Technology Committee

Issues: Supports Proposition 227, which ended most bilingual education programs; mastery of fundamental core disciplines; measurable goals for all schools

Nadia Maria Davis

Age: 27

Occupation: Attorney

Background: Bachelor’s degree in sociology, UCLA; law degree, Loyola Marymount; worked for various nonprofit organizations in Orange County; developed statewide project and handbook to increase student opportunities in higher education; mentor, Project Motivation, Partners in Learning and Unicamp, student programs aimed at decreasing dropout rates

Issues: Supports increasing unity and communication between school board members and the community, expanding parent participation, increasing business sponsorships of after-school and summer programs

John Palacio

Age: 45

Occupation: Education/management consultant

Background: Bachelor’s degree in political science, University of Arizona; graduate studies in urban administration, Bucknell University (Pa.); member, Santa Ana Education

Foundation; board member, Santa Ana Northwest Little League; counsels Boy Scouts; coached youth boxing for students at risk of joining gangs

Issues: Supports English acquisition and literacy programs, mandatory summer school for students with limited English skills and for those with failing marks, construction of a fundamental high school

Art Pedroza Jr.

Age: 31

Occupation: Account manager for alternative energy company in Santa Ana

Background: Chairman, Santa Ana library board; member, Chamber of Commerce education council and housing services (national program to help low-income families become homeowners); member, school board student housing committee

Issues: Supports Proposition 227, alleviating school overcrowding by building new schools and examining school calendars, encouraging parental involvement in education process

Roy Russell

Age: 53

Occupation: Computer technology consultant

Background: Bachelor’s degree in industrial technology, Cal State Long Beach; former member, Northwest Homeowners Assn.; chairman, Save Our Creek, a Santiago Creek preservation group; executive advisory board member, Regional Occupation Program; chairman, Santa Ana Code Enforcement Board

Issues: Supports Proposition 227; safe, clean campuses; class-size reduction

Tustin Unified School District

(Two seats)

Jonathan W. Abelove

Age: 43

Occupation: Preschool owner; incumbent

Background: Bachelor’s degree in industrial psychology, Pennsylvania State University; master’s course work at Johns Hopkins University; former American Red Cross board member; former president and vice president, Coastline Regional Occupational board; member, Tustin library committee

Issues: Continue academic achievement, especially working to educate middle and high school students; deal with district’s growth rate by continuing to open new schools and add year-round schedules

Jane Bauer

Age: 53

Occupation: Attorney; incumbent

Background: Bachelor’s degree in English, Cornell University; law degree, Western State University College of Law; taught middle school for one year; active in Parent Teacher Organization; volunteer, Bobby Sox; former member, American Field Service; 13-year TUSD board member

Issues: Continue on course that district is headed

Karen A. Cipriano

Age: 55

Occupation: Educator/businesswoman

Background: Bachelor’s degree in education, University of Arizona; master’s degree in education, specializing in reading, Cal State Fullerton; near completion of master’s in education, specializing in administration, from Cal State Fullerton; coordinator of teen program for Assistance League of Tustin; taught TUSD disabilities awareness classes; former member, outdoor education committee and Operation School Bell; chaired a TUSD dental screening and emergency care program; Children’s Hospital of Orange County volunteer

Issues: Return to proven methods and individualized programs to ensure students achieve their highest potentials; wants parents to retain control over education; maximize return of educational dollars

Rebecca Gomez-McKeon

Age: 42

Occupation: Health care consultant/volunteer

Background: Bachelor’s degree in public health, UCLA; master’s degree in health care administration, Cal State Long Beach; board president, Tustin Public Schools Foundation; president, Thorman Elementary PTO; president, TUSD PTA/PTO coordinating council; member, Currie Middle/Thorman Elementary school site committee

Issues: Better utilize year-round school vacancies to deal with overcrowding; supports zero-tolerance for drugs and weapons; stop money from going to consultant fees

Larry Pomatto

Age: 46

Occupation: Business executive/engineer

Background: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Stanford University; member, TUSD site council; supports Girl Scout troop

Issues: Public input should be accepted and considered by the board; money should be spent wisely on technology; need management to visit schools more frequently to solicit input

Westminster School District

(Three seats)

Judith A. Ahrens

Age: 53

Occupation: Owns home day-care business

Background: Associate degree in business, Cerritos College; active in PTA, Frank N. Eastwood Elementary School

Issues: Supports back-to-basics approach, emphasizing drills and phonics over whole language; supports implementation of Proposition 227, eliminating most bilingual education; would give parents more control and input in the curriculum by, for example, making parent events more convenient to their schedules

Lynn Covey

Age: 49

Occupation: Homemaker; incumbent

Background: Board member, four years; board president, one year; secretary, Orange County School Boards Assn.; director, Westminster School District Foundation for Educational Excellence

Issues: Wants to continue reducing class sizes, as has been done in grades K-3; supports continued focus on computer and technology skills; wants to maintain district’s high standards

Stephanie M. Erickson

Age: 45

Occupation: Homemaker

Background: Worked nine years in sales at computer company before stopping to care for her children; involved in PTAs

Issues: Thinks district needs to do more to eliminate bilingual education under Proposition 227; wants parents to have more input and feel more comfortable dealing with district; wants to see a “back to basics” curriculum with emphasis on basic language arts and American history and fewer experimental programs

Sondra Rinker

Age: 34

Occupation: Senior office specialist, Santa Ana Police Department; incumbent

Background: Board member, last four years; courses in police work at Golden West College; secretary of Midway City Chamber of Commerce for two years

Issues: Will work to maintain district’s fiscal soundness; wants to look at class size to see if more can be done to alleviate overcrowding; would ensure district follows through on five-year technology plan, which is already ahead of schedule

Michael J. Verrengia

Age: 48

Occupation: Electrician, Packard Hughes Interconnect; part-time reserve police officer for Garden Grove; incumbent

Background: Board member, four years; certificate of completion in criminal justice and security administration, Golden West College; Coast Guard veteran; former PTA president, Iva Meairs Elementary and Warner Intermediate schools

Issues: Wants to make sure district remains on schedule with five-year technology plan; wants district to create written policy for holding back students in elementary and middle school if they don’t meet academic standards; would like to make sure building facilities, including carpets, roofs and landscaping, remain in good condition

Ryal Wheeler

Age: 43

Occupation: Mechanical foreman, Orange County Sanitation District

Background: Junior college degree in electronics, Ricks College (Idaho); some management and mechanics courses at Golden West College; president, Midway City Chamber of Commerce and Homeowners Association; former PTA president, Warner Intermediate School

Issues: Ensure district implements Proposition 227; would like to encourage parents to get more involved in children’s education and school activities; wants to improve academic standards in the schools by, for example, reducing class sizes for all grades

Source: Individual candidates; Researched by JOHN CANALIS, DEBRA CANO, STEVE CARNEY, CHRISTINE CASTRO, CHRIS CEBALLOS, LINN GROVES, JASON KANDEL, JAMES MEIER, HARRISON SHEPPARD AND LESLEY WRIGHT / For The Times