SAN BENITO — Some of the biggest issues facing the school district include increasing parental involvement and improving student safety.
That’s what three school board candidates for the May 5 election told an audience of community members at a Meet the Candidates event hosted by the San Benito Chamber of Commerce Thursday night.
Past Mayor Celeste Sanchez, the district’s former assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, introduced the candidates, who were given five minutes to outline their platforms.
Place 2
In the race for the school board’s Place 2 position, Sonia Weaver, a retired teacher who faces former board member Fatima Huerta, a college student, vowed to work together with board members to better students’ educations and improve their safety.
Huerta did not attend the event Thursday night at the Lone Star Inn’s conference room.
Before an audience of about 25, Weaver said she wanted to help the district forge a “stronger relationship” with the community.
“I look forward in working well with a team to support group decisions along with an understanding that the board sets a climate for the entire district,” Weaver said.
Place 3
In the race for the Place 2 seat, incumbent Joe G. Gonzalez faces Janie Silva, a retired teacher.
Sitting with a panel of candidates, Gonzalez vowed to improve student safety while working to fund an aquatic center and a fine arts center.
“Every time I make a decision, I weigh the situation and see what’s good for the kids and good for the employees,” Gonzalez said.
Silva said she would work to improve student safety, boost teacher pay and listen to the concerns of students, teachers and employees.
“I have heard the cries of the students, the parents, the teachers and many employees,” Silva said.
Board President Michael Vargas, who is running unopposed for his Place 1 seat, did not attend.
What are the issues?
• Parental involvement
• Student safety
• Funding for aquatic center
• Funding for fine arts center