The Education Challenge

The Orange County Board of Education does not attract great political interest, and this is the way some activists who see in it a platform for their agendas no doubt would prefer it. But the public has an important stake in the outcome of board elections, and more important, in what the board does. It is worth paying attention both to the candidates and to the board’s mission. On March 7, two of the three seats up for election are contested. For those positions we recommend one challenger, Joanne L. Stanton, formerly a longtime member of the Anaheim Union High School board, and one incumbent, Felix Rocha Jr.

The county board provides support services to local school districts, but is not, as the name might suggest, a kind of overarching district to which others are subordinate. It runs special schools for alternative and correctional education, serves as a liaison between school districts and the state, local and federal governments, works with parents, businesses and community leaders, and responds to the special needs of districts.

The board’s services are important especially because they address the unmet needs of those on the margins of society, or the disadvantaged. Board members must be committed to the work of meeting the educational requirements of a constituency of the handicapped, or those who have run afoul of the law at an early age, or those at risk of dropping out. The board and its superintendent, John F. Dean, serve as mediators for local school districts in their relationships with Sacramento.

Unfortunately, the board in recent years has become a soapbox for some who have quarrels with public education in general, or who are running against Washington.

One of the board’s most outspoken members, Ken L. Williams Jr., has a free pass this year in Trustee Area 4, covering Fullerton, La Habra, Brea-Olinda, Orange, Tustin, Irvine, Saddleback Valley and Capistrano. We are sorry to see that such a big part of the county did not have a contest this year to give voters a choice.

In Trustee Area 3, which covers Buena Park, Anaheim, Placentia, Yorba Linda and Orange, Eric H. Woolery has an opponent but apparently is content to fly his candidacy as far below the radar screen as possible. He did not respond to several invitations to be interviewed for the campaign.

Fortunately, in this race, there is a clear choice.

Joanne L. Stanton brings vast experience to the race, having served for many years on the Anaheim board, on the governor’s Advisory Committee for School to Career, and as past president of the Orange County School Boards Assn. She makes it plain that her priority is the education of children, not advancing political ideology. She is well-attuned to the changing demographics of many Orange County school districts. She would bring valuable experience to meet the needs of the times.

In Trustee Area 1, covering Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley and Westminster, incumbent Felix Rocha Jr. deserves another term for his effective support for the work of the board and the district.

This is a contested race as well, and we are puzzled by Rocha’s decision not to file a ballot statement in the face of this challenge. He has enough election experience to know the importance of mounting some sort of campaign in a race that by nature does not get much attention. His opponent does not appear to comprehend the full duties of the board nor does he appear qualified for the assignment. We hope Rocha will rise to the challenge and make the case he needs to make for another term.

Stanton and Rocha are solid choices to help the county board fulfill its important responsibilities to the Orange County educational community.