As the countdown begins to the Nov. 2 election, the candidates were given the opportunity to speak about why they are running and answered questions from the public during an Oct. 20 forum in the Los Gatos High School library, sponsored by the League of Women Voters. After each candidate's four-minute introduction, moderator Linda Callon interviewed each one with questions generated by the audience.

The hot topic of the evening concerned the relocation of Daves Avenue Elementary School to the Athenour Elementary School site in San Jose, as the Daves Avenue campus undergoes renovations and construction starting in June 2005 for as long as two years. The question focused on how the candidates viewed parent complaints with the board's decision and how they would have handled the situation differently.

Sanders Noe, who has marketing and business administration experience, said recent parental forums to discuss the emotional issue had been very productive. She said if elected, she'd like to see more such community forums used before board members reach final conclusions, rather than after. She also highlighted that board members are chosen to represent their constituents.

"That's why you elect your board members, to make these kinds of decisions in the best interest of the students," she said.

Granas, the only incumbent with four years of experience on the board, said he believes the board made the best and safest decision to relocate the Daves Avenue campus. He added they didn't expect the decision would generate as much controversy as it did. During a similar question about enhancing communication between the school, town and parent community, Granas said since parental concerns with the project were not anticipated, the problem—if there was one—would be the lack of parent interest in most decisions the board makes because the school district operates so well.

Miller, a credentialed teacher who has worked as a substitute in the district, suggested a quarterly newsletter to enhance communication, while Sanders Noe suggested better use of the district's website, increased mailings and improved communication to the nonparent community. Miller said beyond just posting when school board meetings take place, parents should also be notified in weekly packets sent home about important upcoming board decisions.

The candidates were also asked how they'd recruit and retain quality teachers. Miller had a unique answer, suggesting the use of the town's below-market-housing program to help teachers afford to live in the area where they teach.

In addition, they were asked about the relationship among teachers, the district superintendent and the school board. Granas, who has a background in sales and marketing, said the board's job is to set and measure the results of policies.

"Our job isn't to look into the classroom and say Johnny is reading the wrong book today. That's for the administrators and the teachers to do," he said.

In response to the same question, Sanders Noe said she also thought there was a beneficial working relationship between all the different entities that help operate the district.

Miller compared the district to a cruise ship, with board members guiding the ship, the superintendent and district staff directing its facilities, teachers acting as the ship's crew and parents and students as passengers having a good time.