The six candidates vying for three seats on the Burbank Board of Education will be front and center this evening at a forum on the Woodbury University campus in Burbank. That forum begins at 7 p.m. in the Woody Cafeteria. The candidates are Steve Ferguson, Dr. Armond Aghakhanian, Roberta Reynolds, Jesse “Tangk” Tangkhpanya, Greg Sousa, and Vahe Hovanessian.
Last month, on January 20, the candidates were quizzed at the League of Women Voters of Glendale/Burbank forum held at Burbank City Hall. Some of the ideas and views expressed by the candidates at that first forum are below.
Steve Ferguson on vocational training: “… we should be partnering with local businesses and local apprenticeship programs and even unions to provide initial exposure to variety of vocational offerings. ”
Dr. Armond Aghakhanian on where to spend additional funds: “We need to increase the number of counselors in our schools.”
Roberta Reynolds on technology: “… all the students have to be computer literate and one of the biggest challenges at the elementary age is in the typing skills that are needed .. important to focus on those keyboard skills… ”
Jesse “Tangk” Tangkhpanya on role of school board members: “… .. safe guarding the finances of the district in addition to providing the overall vision. I think the bottom line is board members really need to be proactive and not reactive. They really need to be seeking out solutions.”
Greg Sousa on the role of the PTA: “… all to often looked at as another fundraising arm when in fact it’s… a voice for parents. I’m not always sure that voice is always heard especially at the district level.”
Vahe Hovanessian on requirements for new superintendent: “… .to have instructional background and hopefully a business background… someone who has community understanding … clear and precise vision as to what our goals are going to be and how they want the district to proceed.”
The public is invited to tonight’s forum to hear the candidates tackle more issues and concerns in the Burbank Unified School District. The ballots for the Burbank primary have been mailed out and must be returned by for February 24, 2015.
