Incumbents voted back to Cottonwood school board

The incumbents for Cottonwood Union School District have been re-elected, pending absentee ballot results.

"I was of course disappointed (with) the results. I did well in the newer neighborhoods while the incumbents did well in the older sections of Cottonwood," said Dave Wallace, a CPA and a candidate, in an email.

According to Wallace, he does not see a benefit by retaining the incumbents because many are unaware of the current fiscal situation.

"They have yet to recognize the fiscal realities of the district and maintain that there is no morale problem."

One of the main topics of conversation at the October 7 forum was the discussion of the health benefits the board receives through the district. According to Tim Azevedo, superintendent for Anderson Union High School District, their board does not receive health benefits or a stipend for such benefits.

"Myself along with many parents would like to support the incumbents, however its very difficult with the teacher and aide layoffs, larger classroom sizes and summer school being cut," said Scott Goldschmidt in an email. "I think if the incumbents were to return the medical benefits costing $50,000 back to the classroom this could turn the tide for them to regain support from non-supporters. Returning this money would go along way with me for being able to support the incumbents. They should easily have an approval of at least 70% they are currently around a 54% approval rating."

Incumbent Jim Seale said people must not have thought that the board receiving health benefits was a big deal, because the incumbents were re-elected. Seale went on to say he felt the health benefits would need to be addressed and discussed by the board.

"We need a real time for healing, some of the issues need to be let go, so we can move forward," said Seale. "We have a good mix of people on the board and a great community and good teachers. We just need to heal."