Bidding for Capistrano Board

Ten candidates, including four incumbents, are vying for four open seats on the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees. The district and the contenders at a glance:

THE DISTRICT

Communities: Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Rancho Santa Margarita, Aliso Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Dana Point

Enrollment: 37,200

Facilities: Four high schools, four middle schools,

27 elementary schools

Major issues: Accommodating a rapidly increasing number of pupils, implementing class size reduction to 20 students per teacher in primary grades

THE CANDIDATES

TRUSTEE AREA 1

Peter J. Espinosa

Age: 49

Occupation: College professor

Background: Incumbent, elected in 1992; member, South Orange County Community Services Council

Major issues: Meeting challenge of growing student population by financing new schools; focusing on expansion of district’s school site council program

Joseph Snyder

Age: 52

Occupation: Businessman, banker, consultant; retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel

Background: Former chairman, Dana Point Cultural Commission; Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce member

Major issues: Increasing parent involvement in schools; working to ensure all campuses are safe, well maintained and technologically equipped

TRUSTEE AREA 2

Marlene Draper

Age: 44

Occupation: Insurance agent

Background: Incumbent and former board president, elected in 1988; founder, San Juan Community Services Task Force; delegate to California School Board Assn.; member, Community Services Council of the United Way; South Orange County Leadership Council board

Major issues: Ensuring graduating seniors are highly skilled and qualified to work in 21st

century; securing state and federal funds for school facilities to accommodate district’s rapid growth

Donald Franklin Richardson

Age: 50

Occupation: Teacher

Background: Business manager, athletic coach

Major issue: Implementing “back to basics” curriculum in all schools by teaching phonics and conventional mathematics

TRUSTEE AREA 3

Mildred Daley Pagelow

Age: 70

Occupation: College professor

Background: Incumbent, elected in 1992; member, San Clemente Task Force for Youth; advisory board of Laura’s House; Capistrano Unified School District Foundation

Major issues: Increasing parent involvement in schools; developing better communications among district officials, parents, teachers and students

David T. Leland

Age: 44

Occupation: Certified public accountant

Background: Past president, South Orange

County Republican Assembly; member, Orange County Republican Central Committee

Major issues: Implementing strong “back to the basics” school curriculum; working to streamline district budget so more funds are directed to classroom

John E. Smart

Age: 61

Occupation: Retired educator

Background: Elementary school site council member; Kiwanis and Rotary Club member

Major issues: Bringing fiscal responsibility to district; ensuring high-quality teachers and staff members are hired

TRUSTEE AREA 5

Sheila J. Benecke

Age: 55

Occupation: Retired teacher

Background: Incumbent president, elected in 1992; member, School Facilities Task Force; former president, Orange County PTA; member, California School Boards Assn. and YMCA board of directors

Major issues: Raising graduation requirements for high school seniors; implementing strong curriculum focusing on basics; serving needs of every child in district

Ralph R. Riddell

Age: 63

Occupation: Dentist

Background: Member, American Dental Assn.

Major issues: Opposing all tax increases; implementing strong curriculum emphasizing basic mathematics and phonics; working to make schools safer

Carmen Vali

Age: 31

Occupation: Educator

Background: President, Aliso Viejo Community Assn.

Major issue: Ensuring school board is accountable and more accessible to parents and community

Source: Individual candidates; Researched by KIMBERLY BROWER / For The Times