Montebello Unified School District

Whoever is elected must steer the district through one of the worst school budget crises in the state. The district has slashed $26.7 million, about 21%, from its $101-million budget since April. In June, the district took out a $12.4-million loan to remain solvent. The first round of cuts eliminated the jobs of about 145 employees, most of them teachers. Dozens of other employees will lose their jobs or have their hours reduced in a new series of cutbacks that take effect by Dec. 1. The state has threatened to take over the district if it cannot resolve its financial problems.

Enrollment: 33,267

Areas served: Montebello and Bell Gardens, parts of Downey, Pico Rivera, Rosemead, Monterey Park and East Los Angeles

On the ballot: five candidates for two seats

INCUMBENT

Frank Serrano

Board member since June

Age: 64

Profession: retired principal, Los Angeles Unified School District

Residence: Montebello

Remarks: “The biggest issue is finding stable ground financially because of the terrible upheaval in the district and because of the budget cutbacks. We need to do as much as we can to find good instructional curriculum for the kids. Another big issue is, of course, the teachers’ morale. For the first time, we are asking teachers to take salary cuts. . . . The qualities that help me handle these challenges have to do with my experience. I have the experience of being able to work on both sides of the issue, as a former teacher and administrator. I have the ability to follow through with any problem.�

CHALLENGERS

Barbara Chavira

Age: 40

Profession: quality control inspector

Residence: Monterey Park

Remarks: “I think the big issue is the budget. Statewide, we have to get people to take education seriously. It’s very distressing to see parents are the lowest percentage of voters and they have the most to lose. With the lack of funds, we have to get parents more involved to help alleviate the budget problems.� Because no board members are parents of current district students, “parents have no say in what kind of education children are getting.� She said that parents need a vote on the board. “My biggest experience is that I’m in touch daily with the school system, as a parent and community member. I am also involved with district committees.�

Joseph Maytorena

Age: 62

Profession: field representative for U.S. Rep. Matthew G. Martinez (D-Monterey Park), retired Los Angeles schoolteacher and administrator

Residence: Montebello

Remarks: “The biggest issue is going to be maintaining budgetary integrity. We are having problems keeping a budget. I know how to build budgets. We need to look elsewhere for monies to maintain programs. . . . The qualities I bring to the job are 35 years in education. I served at all levels as a teacher and administrator . . . I have direct communication with members of the state Legislature and can advise them on what the district needs, and they can let me know when there are grants available.�

Guadalupe Stern

Age: 34

Profession: school bus driver for Los Angeles Unified

Residence: Bell Gardens

Remarks: “To my point of view, the education children receive here is very poor. Something better could be done.� She said the quality of education is such that parents would consider leaving the community, something which she thinks need not happen. “To me, to be a challenger your educational background doesn’t have to be all that great. I am a concerned parent, because my education wasn’t all that great, and I want a better educational future for my children. I am especially concerned because of the budget cuts and classroom overcrowding.�

Ricardo Valdez

Age: 43

Profession: principal at Salesian High School in Los Angeles

Residence: Monterey Park

Remarks: “The biggest issues are innovation in the educational process and initiating cooperation between schools and businesses and corporations. We should also establish a method for faculty raises and give them adequate notice of what to expect.� Valdez said his experience as a college assistant dean and as a teacher at various schools has prepared him well for board membership. “I feel that education as an institution in our society must learn to compete and work with other institutions in order to maintain a solid financial base. We must first consider the student as our client.�