The Star Editorial Board has endorsed Charles Watson & Donna Prenta for the Board of the County Schools Office. Read the article by clicking below, and then let's discuss how the county board race is shaping up!

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The Star editorial board does interviews and makes endorsements. Endorsements by the Star in no way influence, coincide or sway the author of this blog.

Star endorses challengers to 2 seats

October 30, 2006

Voters are likely to be more familiar with their local school district trustees than they are with the trustees of the Ventura County Board of Education, which governs the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Office with elected county Superintendent of Schools Charles Weis.

There's nothing like an election, though, to educate the public about a vital board.

This year, two trustees on the five-member county Board of Education are up for re-election to represent Area 1 (Ventura, Saticoy, Montalvo, El Rio, portions of northern and western Oxnard, Channel Islands area, Port Hueneme, Naval Base Ventura County and La Conchita), and Area 4 (Moorpark, Simi Valley, Santa Susana Knolls).

Incumbents are Mary Louise "ML" Peterson, of Ventura, in Area 1 and Dean Kunicki, of Simi Valley, in Area 4. Mr. Kunicki was appointed to finish a previous trustee's term in 2004. Challenging Ms. Peterson in Area 1 are Charles T. Watson, 53, of Ventura, and David Norrdin, 47, of Ventura. Challenging Mr. Kunicki in Area 4 is Donna Prenta, 46, of Simi Valley.

The Star endorses challengers, Mr. Watson in Area 1 and Ms. Prenta in Area 4. The incumbents have served ably, but The Star believes Mr. Watson and Ms. Prenta will build on their successes and implement new ideas.

Area 1

Some may be familiar with the county Board of Education as it hears interdistrict transfer and expulsion appeals. It made headlines earlier this year when it upheld the appeal of a Ventura elementary charter school. The board also oversees specialized programs, including severely handicapped special education, regional occupational program, incarcerated youth, and expelled and other youth at risk. It hosts noted education programs such as Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial, and Top Scholars.

Mr. Watson's experiences and skills are perfectly suited for trustee. The father of two children, he recently retired as president and chief executive officer of the nonprofit social services agency, Interface Children Family Services, where he served for 23 years. He has other sterling credentials, including an MBA in organizational development. He has served as past chairman of First 5 Ventura County, which provides early childhood development services to Ventura County children up to age 5; on the Community Commission for Ventura County; on the Workforce Investment Board; as a soccer coach; and foster parent for 10 years.

He cites as top priorities holding charter schools accountable, seeking solutions to threats of violence on campuses, encouraging healthy school nutrition, exercise and cultural programs.

He has key endorsements from Jack O'Connell, state superintendent of public instruction; Ventura Unified School District trustees Debbie Golden, Deborah Fitzgerald and Velma Lomax; Sheriff Bob Brooks and District Attorney Greg Totten.

Area 4

Ms. Prenta has spent her professional and personal life devoted to children's issues. The mother of four is a children's case manager; president of the Special Education Advisory Committee at the Simi Valley Unified School District; a past member of the Ventura County Mental Health Board; and a past member of the Ventura County Schools, Community Advisory Committee.

She has firsthand experience working with the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Office, since her daughter has developmental disabilities. She said she is running because she is "very grateful to families that came before us" and feels she has a moral responsibility to give back.

She said she would like to get more satellite programs for Simi Valley and add to vocational education offerings.

We were impressed with Ms. Prenta's record of working with others to accomplish important goals for youth, such as getting mental-health services to more jailed youth.

Among those endorsing Ms. Prenta are the Simi Valley and Moorpark Educators associations, the California School Employees Association, the California Organization of Police and Sheriffs, and Simi Valley Mayor Pro Tem Glen Becerra.

The Star recommends Mr. Watson for Area 1 and Ms. Prenta for Area 4 of the Ventura County Board of Education.