Two apply for Modesto school board

MODESTO -- A former Modesto High principal was the first to put his name in the hat to join the Modesto City Schools board after the resignation of Cathy Flores Hallinan.

The board ruled that it would fill the vacancy by appointment, setting noon Friday as the deadline to apply. The provisional appointment will last until November 2013, when an election will fill the seat for her term's remaining two years.

Hallinan resigned Sept. 10 after nine months of her four-year term, saying work responsibilities left her too little time to serve.

Two trustee applications had been received as of Tuesday morning.

David Cooper, 69, retired district employee. Cooper was a science teacher at Mark Twain Junior High, principal of Modesto High from 1989 to 1999, then district director of secondary education until retiring in 2006.

Charles Holmberg, 63, director of information services at California State University, Stanislaus. He was chief information officer at Pentastic Systems Inc. from 1990 to 2002, and before that held data management and analyst posts.

Trustees will hold open interviews of all qualified applicants. Applicants must be registered voters who live within the school district boundaries.

A district news release says, "The ideal applicant would have the ability and time to fulfill the responsibilities of being a member of the board." It goes on to say trustees are expected to attend meetings, district events and be informed on policy issues. Supporting public education and working effectively with the group also are listed as part of the job.

Discussion and appointment will follow the final interview, whichever day that occurs. The first interviews will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday. Further meetings, as needed, are set for Tuesday and Oct. 1-3.

Application materials, due by noon Friday, are available from the district office receptionist at 426 Locust St., Modesto, or online at www.mcs4kids.com. For more information, call the superintendent's office at (209) 576-4115.

Bee education reporter Nan Austin can be reached at naustin@modbee.com or (209) 578-2339.