Schools

COUSD Candidate Q&A: What Do You Bring to the Board?

Candidates share what qualifications should earn them a place on the school board.

With school board elections coming up, it's important that voters know as much as they can about their candidates. At Glendora Patch, we'd like to offer voters an easily accessible and centralized place to meet each of their candidates in a weekly Q&A forum.

There are three incumbents and two newcomers vying for two empty seats. With Election Day Nov. 8, we’re giving voters the opportunity to get to know their candidates for Charter Oak Unified School Board.

Editor’s Note: A question and an invitation to participate in this week’s forum was sent to all five COUSD candidates. Four out of the five candidates responded with their answers. Brian Akers did not respond to this week’s forum. Please refer to our candidate preview for more information on each of the candidates.

Find out what's happening in Glendorawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Candidate Q&A Question #1:
There has been a lot of talk about experience being critical to becoming a member of the school board. How does your experience make you an asset on the school board?

Robert Cruz

Find out what's happening in Glendorawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Through my 18 years of experience as a school board member, I have learned how school budgets and school finances work, and the differences between unrestricted and restricted funds. I have been a part of hiring three superintendents for COUSD. I know who to go to for answers pertaining to personnel/students issues. I have managed to forge strong relationships with our parents, teachers, classified employees and students. My experience has taught me to be accessible to ALL our key stakeholders. I have learned to listen to the Charter Oak community, which has resulted in reforming our elementary schools into K-6 schools. We supported the development of our Virtual Academy.  My experience has led me to become more involved with statewide education issues through the Calif. School Boards Association.

Joseph Probst

I have served as parent volunteer, PTA board member, Parent Chair of a Site Council, and Parent Chair of a district-wide committee in Charter Oak.  I know and understand the concerns of parents because of these experiences.

I have tremendous respect for our teachers, classified staff, and administrators from our years of working together.  I am proud to be endorsed by these groups who have first-hand knowledge of our accomplishments.  We work POSITIVELY as a committed team to give the students the best education possible. 

With my Masters in Governance from the California School Boards Association, earned after months of classes, I have both the knowledge and experience to handle our budget and understand the many sources of our funding crucial in these challenging economic times.

David Rose

Yes, experience is important but I think trust, transparency and putting students first is something I can offer to the parents and students of Charter Oak. My theme for this year election is  "PUTTING STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS FIRST". I had parents coming to me left and right, imploring me to run, and here I am. Since I am a parent of young children currently attending three Charter Oak schools, I can be an advocate for parents. My objective is to improve the schools for our students, make Charter Oak the best. I do have experience from my last 4 years on the board in 2005, and I learned a lot during that time. No citizen's request will be taken lightly, turned away and nobody would be discouraged from asking questions.

Lois Shade

I’ve had 13 years as a Glendora Council Member/Mayor so I am familiar with the way local government works.

  • I have development/redevelopment experience and know how to create a good project.
  • I’ve dealt with architects and developers to make sure the homeowners/taxpayers were protected and developers got a fair deal.
  • I’ve been through the tough budget times in the late 80’s and early 90’s when hard choices were made to meet the need to preserve jobs as well as services to our residents. 

Our children are our most precious resource. I supported creation of Youth Counseling Referral Service, D.A.R.E., (drug education program) and Child Care Needs Assessment.

Working now at a local high school, I’m convinced those programs still have a place in our community.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here