By Sara Ballenger

Three incumbents and one challenger will compete for the three empty seats on the Los Altos School Board this November. The three winners will each serve a four-year term on the five-member board.

The election comes during a massive renovation plan that includes upgraded facilities at each of the district’s nine campuses.

Each candidate provided his goals in the following election statements:

Bill Cooper

“The quality of education offered within our district is one of the most important elements that contribute to making this such a wonderful place in which to raise a family.

“I will work to ensure that our district offers the best tools for students at every level, for those facing special challenges as well as the most academically gifted.”

Cooper currently serves as Cubmaster for Pack 36, has been a Little League coach, and recently completed a three-year term on the district’s Curriculum Council.

Victor M. Reid (incumbent)

“I have been privileged to be a board member for the No. 1 school district in California for the last four years, a very exciting time for this district.

“Not only have we begun the much-needed renovation of our facilities, but also, our test scores and subsequent rankings confirm this district’s pre-eminent position in the state.”

Reid said he believes that the district’s present challenges are maintaining a balanced general fund budget and funding for Phase II of the district’s facilities construction.

Duane Roberts (incumbent)

“The challenge facing the Los Altos School District in the next four years is to successfully renovate the eight existing schools, open a ninth school,” Roberts said.

Roberts said that another of his key goals is to continue improving the district’s educational excellence, in order to make Los Altos “the number one school district in the state of California.”

Jay A. Thomas (incumbent)

“The school district is in the middle of the facilities renovation program, which I consider to be a critical issue for both the schools and the community. I have been involved as a board member since the inception of the renovation program and feel a strong commitment to help ensure its completion.”

Thomas said maintaining the district’s established record of “educational excellence” is also a top goal.