Humphreys, Turner for Valley school board

All three candidates in the race for two seats on the Portola Valley school board are more than qualified to help guide this two-school district over the next four years. All have children in the school and contribute substantial time as volunteers.

And it is possible that all three candidates could wind up on the board as a result of the unexpected resignation of Donna Carano on Oct. 15. Either the sitting board, or the new board that takes office Dec. 1, will have to appoint another member within 60 days of the resignation, or call a special election, which cannot take place for at least 130 days.

But regardless of how the board decides to fill the third vacancy, residents must decide which of the three excellent candidates on the ballot should join the board.

Our choices are Steve Humphreys and Brad Turner, two innovative businessmen and school volunteers who are passionate about Portola Valley schools and who we believe will push to implement a number of the ambitious goals in the recently-adopted strategic plan. With its top notch staff and many willing parent volunteers, the district is ready to move forward with the new plan.

We also feel very comfortable with Judith Mendelsohn, but gave the nod to Mr. Humphries and Mr. Turner due to their commitment to innovation and their management and business skills. We particularly like Mr. Turner's enthusiasm about project-based learning, a concept he said he will try out with his own children during an upcoming vacation.

Portola Valley schools score consistently high in all standardized tests, and enjoy the luxury of high financial and volunteer support from parents and the surrounding community. Brad Turner and Steve Humphreys will keep the district on its stellar academic track, while opening to the door to some of the most exciting concepts in education today.