Statements Offer First Glimpse Into School Board Election

Now that the deadline to decide to run for election has passed, the San Mateo County Elections Office has made public the statements each candidate filed for their respective races.

For the board race, three candidates submitted statements, which give voters a glimpse into their backgrounds and platforms.

San Bruno Park schools President Jennifer Blanco, 40, is running on her experience on the board, noting her work in coordinating the school district's literacy event, reestablishing the PTA President's Council and having report cards translated to improve parent involvement.

If re-elected, Blanco said she wants to start a kindergarten readiness program and an employment readiness program for teens.

Schools trustee Kevin Martinez, 50, is running on a platform of addressing each student's educational needs with fairness and without any political motivation.

Martinez has a list of goals he is pursuing:

• ensuring all students have rich academic opportunities
• engaging parents and residents in the schools
• ensuring that curriculum is preparing kids for 21st century skills
• supporting the district's technology plan
• developing partnerships with the city and other school districts and agencies

Joseph Capote is touting his experience as a parent who has worked with the business community and schools through the San Bruno Education Foundation and PTA.

As a parent, Capote said, he believes that fostering relationships with all of those entities are important to ensuring a successful education for each child.

"San Bruno demands better resources and opportunities for students in science, math and technology," he said. "Our schools require greater support from the parent and business community and I plan to work within our community to achieve these goals."

Chuck Zelnik didn't submit a candidate's statement.

The candidate's statements for the City Council race will be available soon.