On one hand, the dearth of candidates for the three open Gilroy
Unified School District Board of Trustee seats which are up for
grabs in November is a ringing endorsement for the current board
which is, perhaps, the best in a couple of decades.
1. The current board is perhaps the best, collectively, in two-plus decades
On one hand, the dearth of candidates for the three open Gilroy Unified School District Board of Trustee seats which are up for grabs in November is a ringing endorsement for the current board which is, perhaps, the best in a couple of decades.
Collectively, this Board is sound, combining people who do their homework, have the intellectual capacity to think critically and demonstrate that what’s important is what’s best for Gilroy students.
2. Downside to the lack of candidates is that issues won’t get scrutinized
In three months, if things stay the same there will be three seats and three candidates. Race over. That’s what’s on the other hand.
Because it doesn’t appear there will be any competition, the issues will not get the same public airing and the candidates will not have to consider their positions as carefully. That’s not the way our system of government works best.
The lack of candidates is also directly in line with the lack of control Trustees actually have on the local level. The state controls so many aspects of education – including the budget – that local school board members are often puppets on a string.
3. Newcomer will at least bring a fresh look at the issues before GUSD
That reality makes for an extremely frustrating situation.
Our hats are off to incumbents Rhoda Bress and Jamie Rosso for opting to return to service. We thank outgoing Trustee Pat Midtgaard for her four-year stint and wish candidate Fred Tovar well in his efforts. Tovar, 39, is the director for student affairs at the Stanford University School of Medicine. He and his family have lived in Gilroy for more than 25 years. We look forward to introducing him, and his point of view, to Gilroy.
There’s plenty to do as a GUSD board member for the next four years. If there’s anyone out there who wants to make this a race, there are still two days to file. Contact the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters at 299-8639.
