Meet the Candidates – Hart District Governing Board Election Heats Up
Two seats on the William S. Hart Union High School District Governing Board are up for election on November 3, and voting has changed since the last election. For the first time, voters will elect candidates by district, or Trustee Area. In accordance with the California Voting Rights Act, each of the five governing board members represents one Trustee Area, and voters can only vote for the candidates within their Trustee Area, when that area is up for election.
This election, incumbents Gloria Mercado-Fortine (Trustee Area No. 1) and Steve Sturgeon (Trustee Area No. 4) are up for re-election, and Linda Storli and Andrew Taban are challenging each seat, respectively.
For more information on the election or how to vote, visit www.hartdistrict.org.
(Trustee Area No. 1)
It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve as governing board member of the William S. Hart Union High School District for the past 16 years. We’ve done so much during my tenure. I’m extremely proud of the fact our school district is among the highest performing districts in the state. We have so much more to do together. Experienced leadership is imperative.
I am a life-long resident of the Santa Clarita Valley and a graduate of the William S. Hart Union School District. I served four times as president and have provided the leadership necessary to pass two school bonds which will make it possible to build Castaic High School and to modernize our older schools. I am currently a board representative to the Facilities and Construction Management Committee to address district facility needs. I also served 12 years as a member of the Governing Board of the Castaic Union School District and was a founding member of the Castaic Town Council.
As a former teacher, principal, school district administrator and now as an education consultant, I bring a unique perspective to the board. I’m a passionate advocate for education!
I never sway from my commitment to service. I am involved with numerous charitable causes and organizations and bring energy, enthusiasm, and passion to whatever I undertake. I am the Chairman of the Board of the Samuel Dixon Family Health Centers, serve on the Board of Directors of the SCV Boys and Girls Club, Valley Industry Association and Child and Family Center.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree from California State University, Northridge, and two Masters of Science Degrees, one in School Management and Administration from Pepperdine University and one from LaVerne University in Educational Psychology and a Master of Governance from California School Boards Association.
Gloria4hartboard.com
Steve Sturgeon
(Trustee Area No. 4)
Why did you decide to live in Santa Clarita? There’s a good chance that your answer has something to do with our outstanding schools.
As a Hart School District Elected Board Member since 1999, it’s been my honor to work tirelessly to continue and expand upon our community’s legacy of educational success.
Right now, more than ever, our District requires leadership, experience and innovation to guide our community’s most valuable assets – our children and their education – into the next decade.
Vast change is on the horizon for our District. We’ll be completing building projects of up to $500 million with Measure SA and developer fees to complete two performing arts centers; two-story classroom buildings; vital renovations and Castaic High School.
Our physical buildings aren’t the only things evolving; Common Core implementation must continue smoothly to ensure that our children are developing essential critical-thinking skills and mastering new technology. Right now, we’re also committed to our Career Pathways and Career Technical Education programs, which will broaden even further to provide clear direction from high school to college or industry careers.
I’m proud of the role I’ve played to bring these projects to fruition and I’m committed to seeing them through – on time and on budget. Santa Clarita’s children deserve the best and I won’t accept anything less.
Parents and teachers will tell you that I’m incredibly accessible; I want you to call or e-mail me with any questions or concerns, any time. As your child’s advocate, I’ve served the District in several positions – the most prestigious being as one of only 250 delegates statewide to the California School Board Association. My experience and commitment to you, your family and our community schools will be put to the best use over these next four years. That’s why I humbly ask for your vote this November.
(Trustee Area No. 1)
For 30 years I taught U.S. History and Government at Canyon High School, until June 2015. I left a job I loved every day to serve on the Hart Board. My children are graduates of our district and my four grandchildren will be! Several of my children teach in the district and one principal!
As a classroom teacher I championed:
• Closed Campuses at lunch – we were an accident waiting to happen. Now only 11th and 12th graders are allowed off campus for lunch.
• A dedicated Sheriff for each High School campus – keeps the schools safer.
• Career Program Internships – with the Canyon Country Chamber we began meaningful partnerships with local business.
Past City Councilman Dennis Koontz and I have been married for 25 years; he worked for the district for 15 years as the school nurse. I am a working Realtor. I have a record of service: Presidential Commission, City Formation Committee member, City Parks Commission, Chair of the 4th of July Parade, and volunteer as Mrs. Claus for charity.
As your next Board member I will:
• Open Castaic High School – Castaic residents have paid their dues.
• Real Career Training – off campus with partnerships and in-class courses. Let us make a vow to graduate students who can either enter a college at grade level or be trained for a career.
• Hold Schools to District Rules – or change rule the rule. Sending mixed messages teaches irresponsibility when we have rules that are not enforced
• Honest, Ethical, Transparent Service – I have no hidden agenda; I am not running for “higher” office. I think a teacher on the school board just makes good sense.
In my business and my classroom, deadlines were not suggestions, cheating was never acceptable; and that’s the ethic I will bring with me to the school board.
Please vote November 3,
661.313-8960 • www.storli4schoolboard.com • Find me on Facebook
(Trustee Area No. 4)
My name is Andrew Taban. I am a long time resident of the Santa Clarita Valley, a local youth advocate, and a recent alumnus of the Hart School District. I am running for school board because I believe there is a disconnect between our youth and our system of education.
After attending numerous school board meetings as a student myself, it was evident that my voice and the opinions of my peers were undervalued, unwelcome and dismissed by the board. If elected I will push for an open forum where students and their parents can voice their questions, concerns and ideas to further better our education system and secure a better future for our current and future students.
I have been actively involved in the community beginning at a young age when budget cuts threatened Sierra Vista’s commencement ceremony. Garnering the support of my peers and community, I was able to form volunteer groups to donate tables, chairs, food, beverages, and more in lieu of an estimated $40,000 in district cuts to assure the graduating class would walk on stage to accept their diplomas. These strategies not only brought celebrity support, but also started a media frenzy with local and national publications.
Since then I have had the honor to work with multiple groups including the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita, and have organized educational workshops to help raise awareness of student rights in public schools. I have held multiple leadership positions throughout my education in the Hart District and am dedicated to hearing the needs and concerns of students, as well as community members. If elected I will work to dedicate my efforts to keep the students our top priority, propose ideas and support other board members who care deeply about the health of our schools and community.
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