By Margot Harrigan
I am pleased and heartened by the individuals who are running for three school board seats in November. All the candidates should be congratulated for their willingness to take on public service and expose themselves and their families to the challenges of a campaign and, potentially, four very busy years ahead.
It has been many years since the community has had the opportunity to so strongly affect how our school district is governed. We are, in essence, electing a board majority. I urge you all to know for whom you are voting. Ask: What do these individuals know about the district? How have they served the school district already through parent involvement activities in the classroom or PTA or school or district committees? Why are they running - are they satisfied or dissatisfied with the status quo or decisions that have been made? Do their children attend our Los Altos School District schools - now or in the past? How have they educated themselves about curriculum, facilities and financial issues? Are they clear on what the commitment is, or will work or family obligations hinder full participation? Have they attended board meetings recently - and often? How have they conducted themselves during the campaign? Who are their endorsers - are they teachers, current or recent board members or district voters?
What I consider the most important qualification for school board service is the willingness to serve all the children of our school district with an open mind and a willingness to listen and learn. Any individual who brings to the board a preconceived point of view that is not completely informed or campaigns on just one issue - be it an existing concern or a new one - is not going to serve the children, parents and teachers of our district. A specific issue can be the catalyst for a person to step forward to run for office; however, once elected, all opinions, points of view and facts must be considered without a pre-loaded agenda.
Boardsmanship/public service should not be entered into without complete awareness of the obligations. I sincerely hope that each candidate knows and is able to take on the demands and challenges of the board. The twice-monthly meetings are just the tip of the iceberg of the commitment required. Attendance at school and community events, board committee assignments, board governance and school board association meetings will add many hours to a calendar. Consider also the responsibility to talk (or exchange e-mail) with parents and community members almost daily, weekly board packets to read in preparation for meetings and regular participation in PTA meetings. In the next four years, the board will also discuss a potential phase 2 of the master facilities plan and the parcel tax renewal, to name just two important issues that will require community involvement.
Board service requires that trustees immerse themselves in many topics: new textbook adoptions and curriculum changes, education code and policy, school finance, landscaping of fields, contractor bids, salary negotiations and the hiring of new administrators. The ability to read and digest new material and being prepared to question staff and discuss publicly in a thoughtful and civil manner must be quickly mastered.
I have had the privilege and honor to serve as a board trustee for nearly six years. Our community has been very well served with three intelligent, committed and caring trustees - Jay Thomas, Duane Roberts and Victor Reid - whom I will miss enormously. I strongly encourage every voter to educate him/herself as much as possible about each candidate - the future of our district demands it.
Margot Harrigan has served on the Los Altos School District Board of Trustees since 1999. Her term expires in 2007.
