By Sara Ballenger
One incumbent and three challengers will compete for the three available seats on the Cupertino Union School District Board of Trustees. Each elected board member will serve a four-year term. The school board election will be held Nov. 6.
Here is a rundown of the candidates:
Ben Liao, incumbent:
“We can all be proud of the progresses and accomplishments our School District has made: substantial improvement in curriculum standards, technology integration, and enhanced student welfare,” Liao said. “We have renovated 22 schools and reopened Eaton.”
Liao was co-chairman in the recent passing of an $80 million dollar bond, used to further improve schools within the district.
Liao has worked with Cupertino Community Services to provide safety nets for students and families, he said.
Part of the safety net Liao would like to see in place is more counselors for students and families and attracting and retaining quality teachers and staff, he said.
Pearl Cheng
Cheng was unanimously approved by the board in November 2000, but must still run for office.
“Children deserve our best to help them reach their highest potential. They are the future and central in all we do in CUSD,” Cheng said.
“My priorities for CUSD are ensuring program quality so that all children may grow and achieve their maximum potential; ensuring safe schools leading to safe neighborhoods for all; developing teachers and staff with creative options and retention strategies; and driving accountability in all areas, especially fiscal management,” she said.
John A. Claras
“Children are a society’s most valuable resource - they are our future,” Claras said. “I suffered with a learning disability, dyslexia. I understand the importance of special programs. As a successful executive for 10 years, I learned the importance of hiring the best and letting them do their jobs. Teachers should be allowed to teach.”
Claras supports increased pay for teachers, the arts, sports and extracurricular activities.
“I am for using digital technology to reduce paperwork and increasing the percentage of dollars going into the classroom (by cutting bureaucracy),” he said.
Gary McCue
“I am the only candidate with a background as a teacher, parent, and business professional with extensive experience in the Cupertino Union School District,” McCue said.
McCue serves on the Steering Committee of the Cupertino Coalition he said.
“I will use my experience as a former teacher to focus on teacher retention and support, competitive salaries and affordable housing solutions,” he said. “I will use my experience as a parent and a school leader to increase accountability and dialog.”
George Tyson
“As a committed community volunteer, I’ve worked with children in Scouting and organized work groups for Second Harvest Food Bank,” Tyson said. “I’ve actively attended School Board meetings, participated in the District’s Budget Advisory and District Advisory Committees and served as Site Council chair for two schools.”
As a parent of three children, husband of a CUSD teacher, and son of a retired CUSD teacher, Tyson said he knows where this district has been and what it needs.
To access each candidate’s full statement, call the Santa Clara County Registrar’s office, (408) 299-8302.
