As voters fill in the bubbles some may wonder: what exactly does
the county board of education do?
Gilroy – Understanding the basic role of the Gilroy school district is pretty simple: school board members weigh in on issues that directly affect local students and the school system here. Trustees are familiar faces in the community and anyone wondering what goes on can simply head down to the district office for one of the bi-monthly meetings.
But when it comes to the more aloof faction dubbed the Santa Clara County Board of Education, the job description becomes much less transparent.
“It’s not a really high profile position,” said Jane Howard, the county board incumbent up for reelection in the November race.
Yet, as the candidates will quickly point out, the position is heavy with issues that have a direct impact on public education, both locally and countywide. A few of the board’s major responsibilities include, the review of charter school applications, teacher credentialing, payroll preparation and the overseeing of all county-run alternative schools.
And, Howard pointed out, one interesting distinction between the two entities is that the county board does not touch personnel issues, while local school boards deal with hiring and firing.
In District 7, which encompasses Morgan Hill and Gilroy unified and the Alum Rock Union school districts, three individuals are vying for one vacant seat. A total of seven trustees sit on the board, with each one representing one of the districts.
Esau Herrera, a San Jose lawyer and one of the South County residents competing in the race, thinks his extensive educational experience sets him apart. The father of two served on the Alum Rock Union Elementary School District board for 15 years and another five on the Eastside Union High School District board.
“The public school system faces a constant challenge both locally and at the state level,” Herrera said. “And I’m the only candidate (who’s) worked statewide. … You need to be involved at the statewide level in order to make a difference locally.”
Howard was appointed in April of 2005 after a board member stepped down mid-term due to health problems. She was one of 15 applicants who applied for the position.
Although she will be competing in the county board election for the first time, having served a term on the Gilroy Unified School District board from 1996 to 2000, Howard has a background in the campaigning area.
As a Gilroyan, Howard said she’s not only familiar with the needs of South County but also those specific to the Garlic Capitol.
“I think South County needs to have that voice,” she said.
Filling out candidate slate is John S. Leyba, who listed his occupation as corporate financial analyst on the registrar’s Web site. He did not return phone calls as of press time. Leyba also served on the Alum Rock school board.
Both Herrera and Howard said the board’s review of charter school applications is one of its most significant responsibilities. If a local school board rejects a charter school application, individuals may request county approval.
Or some individuals seeking to open a charter school – an institution funded by public monies but is exempt from certain state regulations – may also appeal directly to the county. The entity that approves the charter is responsible for oversight of the school.
Howard said the board has seen an increase in charter school applications since she first came on board more than a year ago. The board recently approved three charters.
Charter schools are also close to Herrera’s heart. The candidate said he thinks districts are reluctant to approve charters because it means giving up some control, which is vexing since he sees the institutions as a positive for education.
“There is a built-in bias, an institutional bias, against charter schools,” he said.
The two candidates also emphasized the important role the county board plays in overseeing county schools for troubled students who are often kicked out of mainstream sites.
“I do believe the board as a whole knows that we need to improve our alternative schools,” Howard said.
