Instead, Dominguez’s entry into the GUSD trustee race means
… all of those seeking a trustee spot will have to campaign if
they want to earn a spot on the dais.
The addition of just one candidate – Francisco Dominguez – to the Gilroy Unified School District school board race makes a world of difference to Gilroy voters.
That’s not meant to cast aspersions on the remaining candidates – incumbents Javier Aguirre and Tom Bundros and newcomers Denise Apuzzo and Ardy Ghoreishi – far from it.
Instead, Dominguez’s entry into the GUSD trustee race means that because Gilroyans now have one more candidate than available seats, all of those seeking a trustee spot will have to campaign if they want to earn a spot on the dais. While more candidates would be better, we’re glad to at least have a real race.
Candidates now must meet the voters, learn about their concerns, debate the issues and work hard to win Gilroyans’ votes.
Before Dominguez filed his candidacy papers, none of that would have been necessary. Clearly, Gilroyans are better served by having a real race.
As voters evaluate the five trustee candidates vying for four board seats, we hope they’ll focus on these issues facing GUSD:
– Closing the achievement gap. Specifically, how does the candidate plan to pursue this goal? How will they protect and promote high achievers at the same time they’re working to improve the performance of low achievers?
– City-school district planning cooperation. Given that GUSD must educate the children who live in the new homes that the city approves, what ideas does the candidate have for improving the dismal planning relationship between these two bodies? Is it a priority or not?
– Discipline. A recent news article shared troubling anecdotes of boorish (and worse) behavior in GUSD classrooms. How will the candidate make classrooms a safe, respectful place for students and teachers?
– Facilities – GUSD desperately needs a second high school, but the price tag for the facility ballooned from the time GUSD officials passed a bond to build it.
How will the candidate address the shortfall in funds and work to restore lost trust in the community?
These are just a few of the issues facing GUSD school board members. We’re thrilled that five committed, qualified candidates are willing to tackle these challenges, and that Gilroyans will have an opportunity to evaluate and choose among them this fall.
