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Thomas "Tom" Schaaf

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Thomas Schaaf

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Thomas "Tom" Schaaf was a candidate for the Trustee Area 5 seat on the Sweetwater Board of Education in the California general election on November 4, 2014. Thomas "Tom" Schaaf lost the general election on November 4, 2014.

Elections

2014

See also: Sweetwater Union High School District elections (2014)

The election in Sweetwater featured five seats up for general election on November 4, 2014. There was no primary election.

The only sitting incumbent at the time of the election, former board president John McCann, did not file to run for re-election, but former members Bertha J. Lopez and Jim Cartmill, both of whom pleaded guilty to misdemeanors of accepting gifts above the state limit while serving on the school board, ran to reclaim their seats. A total of 21 candidates ran for the five open seats.

In Trustee Area 1, Arturo Solis won the election. Kevin J. Pike defeated former member Lopez as well as three other challengers to win election to Trustee Area 2. Cartmill was also defeated. His former seat representing Trustee Area 3 was won by Frank A. Tarantino. Newcomers Nicholas Segura and Paula Hall won election to the Trustee Area 4 and 5 seats, respectively.

Results

Sweetwater Union High School District,
Trustee Area 5 General Election, 4-year term, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Nonpartisan Green check mark transparent.pngPaula Hall 41.2% 4,624
     Nonpartisan William "Bud" McLeroy 24.7% 2,771
     Nonpartisan Marcelino J. Martinez 20.3% 2,274
     Nonpartisan Thomas "Tom" Schaaf 13.9% 1,557
Total Votes 11,226
Source: San Diego County Registrar of Voters, "Gubernatorial General Election Tuesday, November 4, 2014," accessed January 2, 2015

Funding

Schaaf filed Form 470 to indicate he would not be spending or receiving more than $1,000 in this election. Because of that, he did not have to file any additional campaign finance reports.[1]

Campaign themes

2014

In response to a survey published by La Prensa San Diego, Schaaf answered several questions outlining his campaign themes and vision.

What do you believe is the number one issue with the district?

Bringing the public pride back to the Sweetwater District by working with the new Board to hire the very best Superintendent to lead the District. Being open and working with the community to set Policies to use the financial resources for our students.

What qualities are will you looking for in hiring a superintendent?

The Superintendent must have the skills of a positive leader who is passionate, collaborative, and be highly visible public advocate to improve the environment and team for the Sweetwater District students and the community. Be motivated by the challenge of work, with innovative skills and be a creative thinker, proven skills as effective administrator/manager. The Superintendent needs be a model for the diverse student population of our South Bay community.

Board accountability has been lacking, how will you hold the board accountable?

I agree the accountability has been lacking. …With my experience, and with the new Board, the new superintendent must continue looking into the District financial side by requesting a complete audit and the company that will go line by line for the new Board. The Board needs to look into the current Policies and question some of their procedures. Working with the Board, we should all be well informed on items and willing to listen to public and question the direction and District accountability.

What do you believe is your role in interacting with teachers?

We need more input from teachers and their needs to be more successful in the classrooms. It does not come from the top down, great teaching starts in the room, and teacher dedication. The district has outstanding teachers; we need to feel we are a team continuing to building the best place to get an education. The board is only part of the team, and we all have to work together.

What are your financial priorities?

I believe the public needs to understand where the District money is being spent. We need to focus the District on education, and get better advice on managing the district’s properties. I believe there have been major decisions made, without the board willing to get more input. By having and open process with the budget and the board members ability to question procedures and set new goals, the District financial priorities can be directed for students.[2]

La Prensa San Diego survey (2014)[3]

Recent news

This section links to a Google news search for the term "Tom + Schaaf + Sweetwater + School + District"

See also

External links

Footnotes