Gilroy
– Three school district employee groups only agreed to endorse
one school board candidate: John Gurich.
The employee unions endorsed the incumbent, who is a physical
education teacher and department chair at a San Jose high school,
after hosting two candidate forums, one of which Gurich was unable
to attend.
By Lori Stuenkel
Gilroy – Three school district employee groups only agreed to endorse one school board candidate: John Gurich.
The employee unions endorsed the incumbent, who is a physical education teacher and department chair at a San Jose high school, after hosting two candidate forums, one of which Gurich was unable to attend.
“We wanted to come out with one endorsement of three candidates for all three groups, but none of us could agree on who to pick,” said Michelle Nelson, president of the Gilroy Teachers Association. “The only person who actually had no objections raised was John Gurich.”
Nelson said the GTA, Gilroy Federation of Teachers and Paraprofessionals, and Classified School Employees Association could agree on Gurich because he is currently working as a teacher.
“The number one thing is, he is a school district employee and understands how a school district works, and what it is like to be an employee of a school district,” Nelson said.
As for the other five candidates and two open seats, Nelson said she would like teachers and other voters to choose for themselves. The unions did not even agree on one or more candidates to eliminate, she said.
The groups’ indecision didn’t surprise candidate Rhoda Bress, a district parent.
“I think there are some definite choices here, and I think there are differences in the candidates that have been clarified in the campaign,” Bress said. “When you have different entities, they must have different philosophies, and I guess that’s a reflection of the fact that they have different goals.”
On the last weekend before Tuesday’s election, most of the six school board candidates will pound the pavement around Gilroy to talk to voters one-on-one. In a race between three incumbents and three challengers, each has worked to set himself, or herself, apart from the rest on issues from improving test scores to cutting the budget.
Gurich said the Gilroy Unified School District employee endorsement – and the $500 donations from the GTA and California Teachers Association – couldn’t “get any sweeter.”
“That makes me proud – of any endorsement I’ve had – that one means the most,” Gurich said.
He could be the last board candidate officially endorsed by all three employee groups.
“I have proposed maybe not endorsing people in the future, and having forums so people can make up their minds,” Nelson said. “There is such a difference of opinion, … so maybe the best thing we can do is provide the education and let the people decide.”
Candidates are incumbents John Gurich, Bob Kraemer and Jaime Rosso, and challengers Rhoda Bress, Bob Heisey and Pat Midtgaard.
The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce on Thursday announced its endorsement of Kraemer, an “accomplished leader,” and Rosso, the only business owner on the board. The Gilroy Dispatch last week endorsed Bress, Midtgaard, and Rosso. Some candidates have listed their endorsements online.
The upcoming election incorporates a wide range of issues, from how to ensure that a still-forming task force will hold the school district accountable, to whether enough is being done to advance high-achieving students as well as under-achievers.
“It just depends, I guess where people fall on this,” Bress said. “A lot of people are aware of the choices, so I guess it’s up to them.”
Bob Heisey, who will be covering some streets along with Bress, said he’s talked to more than a few voters dissatisfied with the status quo.
“That was one of the reasons I got into the race: To support Rhoda, but also to stir things up and get the issues out there,” Heisey said. “I think we’ve brought up the issues of people who are unhappy with the district.”
He tries to focus on areas where people are likely to vote, and said the dissatisfaction he sees might not be consistent around the city.
Some of the candidates Friday were enthusiastic about not only the upcoming election, but the school board race itself.
“I’m just having a good time, I really am,” Gurich said. “You’ve got to have fun with it.”
Even if the only thing she celebrates on Tuesday is her 54th birthday, Bress said, Gilroy voters’ interest in the race has made it truly enjoyable.
“I think there’s something about a local campaign that gets people involved in a different way,” said Bress, who is driving around Gilroy with a “Yes for Bress” license plate frame. “It’s a little hard to get involved in something farther removed.”
More endorsement and general candidate information is available at: www.smartvoter.org.
