Why Are You Running for School Board?

IB Patch will ask South Bay Union School Disrict Board of Trustees candidates one question a week leading up to Election Day.

Vying for two seats on the school board are Cheryl Quinones, Lincoln Pickard, Dave Lopez and Barbara Elliott-Sanders, along with incumbents Nick Inzunza and Dave Lopez.

Last week's question:

This week's question:

What motivated you to run for the South Bay Union School District Board of Trustees?

President Dave Lopez failed to respond before this article was published. Lincoln Pickard declined to participate in Candidate Q&A.

These answers were not edited by Patch.

Nick Inzunza

Am I my brother’s keeper?  

Well, in many respects we are, at least that’s what members of our family were taught.  Whether we are thinking about a nation, a state or a local community, we are all in the same imaginary boat.  

“What affects one affects others” mom and dad would often tell us.  As we grew and developed, our parents were very persistent in making sure that these philosophical notions and ideas were conveyed and taught to us (their ten children) on what seemed to be a daily bases.  

With a lifetime of experience in assisting people, being a School Board Trustee would naturally fulfill the desire to contribute to our future. As one gets older and wiser, you come to the realization that children are ALWAYS the only future for us. We must teach them well with the hope that they adapt and maintain a can do attitude and  say yes to life.

We must make sure that our imaginary boat stays afloat and on a steady as she goes course. Moving forward in a stable and responsible course in to uncharter waters. We cannot let our society crumble from within.

So perhaps, the main motivation behind the election is to preserve what we have inherited from those of the past.  To continue developing and creating a more perfect union for all of us by way of education. As Robert Louis Stevenson, Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer wrote, “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant.” With this in mind, education should be seen not so much as a preparation for life, but as life itself.

Proud to be a dreamer and a tireless idealist full of energy, who has come to the realization that one cannot solve all of the world’s problems, but can do a small part in making some things better.

Barbara Elliott-Sanders
Running for the South Bay Union School Board has been a goal of mine for several years. Throughout my professional career as a youth and family counselor and then teacher, I have been an advocate for children.

My focus of advocacy for children did not end with my retirement but lead to my decision to run for the board. I wish to support my community in this role to help ensure our children continue to get the best education possible.

Since I began my campaign in the summer, I have been encouraged and inspired by community members who believe in me, my skills and my stand on issues. I am confident I will work well with our superintendent and the present board members.

Cheryl Quinones

The reason that I want to be a SBUSD board member is because I believe I can make a difference in the student, district, and community's lives.