Four candidates for four seats
– it’s not a race, but the people who are running are well
qualified
Gilroy has a nice problem for this fall’s election. The Gilroy Unified School District has a majority, four of its seven seats, up for grabs this fall. So far, only four have declared they are running: incumbents Tom Bundros and Javier Aguirre and newcomers Denise Apuzzo and Ardy Ghoreishi. Incumbent Jim Rogers has yet to formally announce his decision, but all clues indicate that he’ll pass on running.

While we’d prefer a race with more candidates, if everyone who’s announced so far makes it onto the board, we will have a well-balanced board of education in terms of background, qualifications and interests.

Tom Bundros, a father of five children – four of whom were educated at Gilroy High School, the last at a private high school – has a special talent for breaking down the issues to their essence and the ability to ask the tough questions in a thoughtful manner. Javier Aguirre, an aide to County Supervisor Blanca Alvarado, has served on the board of the alternative high school El Portal Leadership Academy, which has shown success in educating teens at risk for joining gangs or dropping out of high school altogether and preparing them for college. Serving the brief balance of T.J. Owens’ term, he is running again after having given all indications that he has filled well the remarkably big shoes left by Owens.

Apuzzo and Ghoreishi are already familiar with the district machinery without being teachers or “educrats.” Apuzzo has been actively involved at her children’s schools for years at the elementary, middle and high school levels, and has regularly attended board meetings for a couple of years now. In addition to being involved in his children’s schools, Ghoreishi serves on the Christopher High School planning committee and on the Citizens Oversight Committee, which keeps tabs on the spending of local bond money.

Each candidate started with the basics: a value on a high quality education and support of their children by becoming involved in the activities of their respective schools. Their interest piqued further by experiencing challenges within the district, they were critical of the district in a number of areas, which is what usually fuels the urge to add one’s energy, ideas, talents and extra time to help make changes that will benefit all students.

Given the time demands of this voluntary position, few make the commitment to run. We encourage anyone else who has ever complained or ever thought “what if …” to step up and join them.

Previous articleWaiting in Line Since 5am for City Tots Program and Wondering
Next articleChristian Influence Still Strong in Hawaii

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here