Fresno Unified school board candidates bandied about topics from special education to trustee duties during a Thursday night election forum.
All 10 candidates running for four open seats in the Nov. 7 election participated. The district is governed by a seven-member board.
When asked what issues special education in Fresno Unified faces, Edison High-area incumbent Luisa Medina said parents on the special education Community Advisory Committee weren't treated with respect in the past.
"I was a single vote against disbanding that committee," she said, referring to the board's 2004 decision.
Bullard High-area candidate Michelle Arax Asadoorian questioned why Medina was the only incumbent who voted against disbanding the group, and said the others should be held to answer for their votes.
McLane High-area candidate Tony Vang said he'd like to see more diversity on the advisory committee, including parents who aren't English-speakers.
Bullard High-area candidate John Lester said parents should be urged to actively participate in their children's education.
"We, all of us, are going to be judged by how we treat the kids who have the most challenges in school," he said.
Sunnyside High-area candidate Valerie Davis said the district has made numerous changes in the personnel in special education but that the work shouldn't stop there.
"We have to convince parents that they need to trust us," she said.
The candidates were asked to describe the duties of responsible board members and their qualifications.
Bullard High-area candidate Jim Barr, who isn't related to incumbent Pat Barr, said board members should make sure the public is heard and work to keep the superintendent accountable.
"My understanding is that the superintendent serves at the pleasure of the school board," he said.
Pat Barr said board members should oversee policies, be responsible and listen to a broad range of people.
"Board members do not represent one area of the city or the school district," she said.
Sunnyside High-area candidate Stafford Parker said trustees need to draw on their experience to provide good leadership, especially in the area of problem-solving.
"I think you have to bring groups together at the table at the same time," he said.
When asked what challenges Fresno Unified faces, McLane High-area candidate Julie Hornback mentioned a lack of information technology, a need for relevant curriculum and the high dropout rate "that's not acceptable."
Edison High-area candidate Cal Johnson said the district should focus on the budget, improving academics and keeping schools sanitary and safe.
At the beginning of the forum, Lester announced he'd received anonymous packages and mail containing information attacking Pat Barr, one of his opponents.
Lester said he wouldn't discuss the content in the anonymous packages, and he told whoever sent it to "go jump in a creek."
About 50 people attended the debate at Manchester GATE.
The event was hosted by the Parent Teacher Association, the district's special education Community Advisory Committee and the League of Women Voters of Fresno.
Voters living anywhere in the district can vote in all four races, but candidates must live in the area where they run.
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