Four of five candidates vying for two seats on the Banning Unified School District board of trustees took part in a forum Monday night in council chambers at Banning City Hall.
The election is scheduled Tuesday Nov. 5. About 15 people sat in the audience Monday night to hear the candidates.
The candidates appear on sample ballots as retired teacher Martha A. Bederio, entertainment technician John Kalani, appointed incumbent James C. "Jim" Smith, appointed incumbent Jan Spann, and parent David "Mr. Van" Vanden Heuvel.
Kalani could not attend the Monday forum due to an accident, according to the event's moderator, Art Reyes of the Record Gazette.
During the forum Reyes asked the following questions:
- What would your goals be as a school board member and why are you the best candidate?
- Why should the public entrust you to such a position, and how would you demonstrate your commitment here in Banning?
- What will you do to increase parental involvement, including volunteering at our schools?
- Under the current climate of the school district, what actions would you take to lessen the division among school board members, teachers and parents?
The forum was recorded to be available on Channel 10, Time Warner, and Channel 29, Verizon, according to organizers.
On Nov. 5, voters will be advised on ballots to vote for no more than two candidates.
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