PATTERSON -- Six people are vying for two spots on the Patterson Unified School District board of trustees this November. Incumbents Bruce Kelly and Gilbert Lujan face challengers Amy Hassar, Kay Silva Johnson, Jose Reynoso and Alex Saballos.
A seventh candidate, Elisa Pinedo-Medina, had second thoughts after filing for election and withdrew.
Hussar said she is focused on the district's finances.
"I want to foster improvement in the local schools," said the homemaker and occasional substitute teacher through the Stanislaus County Office of Education. "Serving on the school board is the best way for me to do so in a fair and objective manner."
She said she has no political ties or special interests.
Kay Silva Johnson co-owns Johnson Landscape Co. with her husband, Tim. She has served on site councils at the schools her children attend and volunteered in their classrooms. She is focused on budget issues, and said she wants to make sure the little money the district gets from the state is spent in the best interests of the students.
"I have worked hand in hand with teachers, students, parents and administrators, and I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly in all," she said. "I believe I have insight on the important issues at hand."
Lujan said he is running to continue the work that's been initiated in the district over the past 10 years. That includes the construction of a school on the city's east side. Like many candidates, he is concerned about the district's financial profile.
"The most drastic change is the result of projected budget cuts from the state," he said. "It's quite challenging. We have to work together to make sound decisions."
Reynoso touts his business experience. He is a computer engineer for Wells Fargo and owns a business. And he wants to ensure his children get the best education possible.
"I have a big stake in education because I have four children of my own that are in primary, middle and high school," he said.
Saballos, who moved to Patterson in 1998, said he isn't unhappy with the decisions made by the present school board, but he wants to help. With three children in the district's schools, "I would like to be part of the team to contribute to the solution," he said.
He said it's easy to step up when times are good.
"For me, I know that the times are tough and I know there's a lot of complaints by a lot of parents and a lot of people because of what's going on," he said. "It's easy to complain, but let's come up with some answers and solutions and I want to be part of that process."
Kelly could not be reached for comment. He told the Patterson Irrigator that after retiring from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory last year, he has more time to focus on the board he's served for 17 years.
Bee staff writer Patty Guerra can be reached at pguerra@modbee.com or (209) 578-2343.
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