Both Schmidt-Posner and Wernick were elected to the board in November of 1996 and appointed in lieu of an election in November of 2000. And both seats are up for re-election this fall.

But after eight years on the board, Schmidt-Posner said she's not planning to run again, and Wernick is.

Schmidt-Posner, the current board president, feels that she's given a huge part of her life to the school district. Her daughter graduated from the district in 1998, so she's ready to let someone else fill her shoes on the board.

"It's good to give other people an opportunity to run," she said. "The district is in good shape, and it's a good board."

While Schmidt-Posner said she'll miss the experience, she's planning to find other ways to stay involved and serve the community.

In contrast, Wernick, the clerk of the board, is planning to run again and said she had always planned on serving three terms.

"As a parent in the district for 11 consecutive years, I made a commitment to serve for three terms," she said. "As an educator myself, I believe I have a global understanding of education and this has helped me to be a highly effective board member."

Wernick added she has enjoyed working with District Superintendent Cindy Ranii, along with the district's staff, to ensure an exceptional educational and broad co-curricular experience for all students.

"My greatest joy as a board member, and as a professional educator, is student success, and I strive to make this happen in all my endeavors," Wernick said. "Serving on the board has given me an inside perspective of education and shown me the value of always looking at the big picture and results from all perspectives."

Wernick said she's proud of being on the board that passed a $79 million bond measure in 2000, known as Measure B, to allow for improvements, new buildings and developments on both the Los Gatos and Saratoga campuses. Wernick added she's looking forward to seeing the successful completion of this large task.

As of press time the following people had submitted their intentions of running for the two open school board seats: Carol Barmeier, a community volunteer; Steven Kahl, who was not listed with any ballot designation; and Rosemary Rossi, co-president of the Saratoga High School Parent Teacher Student Association for the 2003­04 school year; and John Waite, a member of the Saratoga Union School District board.

There is an election within this school district every two years, so in 2006 the remaining three of the five seats on the board will be up for re-election. There are no term limits for the school board members. The filing period for applicants closes on Aug. 6 at 5 p.m. Should an incumbent not file paperwork, that deadline is extended until Aug. 11 at 5 p.m., only for nonincumbents.

Application packets can be picked up at the school district office, 17421 Farley Road West, Los Gatos.

For more information and updates about candidates running, visit www.sccvote.org, or for details, candidates can also call 408.299.8639.