Editorial

We’ve always admired how the Coast Community College District board

seems to keep things smooth on the surface. Hardly ever does one hear of

discord or dissension.

But recently, there’s been some ripples beneath the surface that have

threatened to bubble over the top, and that has made some wonder if the

district needs new leadership.

We think the leadership may need some shaking up. So we’re picking two

upshots -- Jean Forbath and Daniel Kittredge -- in that race.

First, we’d like to say a few things about the two incumbent board

members who are seeking reelection -- Armando Ruiz and Paul Berger.

Ruiz and Berger are respected leaders with many, many years of

experience at running the district, and they should be commended for the

job they’ve done.

But after much thought, we’ve come to the difficult conclusion that

both Ruiz and Berger may have been at it too long.

And we’re not the only ones who feel that way.

The district’s teachers union, after many years of support, has also

chosen not to endorse either Berger or Ruiz.

Ruiz was swept into power in 1983, and Berger in 1987. That puts both

of them two decades removed from the current crop of students at the

district’s schools -- Orange Coast, Golden West and Coastline community

colleges.

And while those schools have much success in the areas of curriculum,

vocation and transfers to four-year schools, it’s time for new ideas, new

energy and debate on the college board.

Forbath and Kittredge can provide just that.

Forbath, who is squaring off against Berger, is well-known in Costa

Mesa as the founder of Share of Selves, the largest poverty relief agency

in Orange County. A former college professor and high school teacher, she

has blazed a trail for the poor and destitute in our communities for more

than two decades.

Forbath has proven she is committed to the community and, with her

experience, she will bring the sense of purpose and spirit of activism

that is needed on the college board.

In addition, she and Kittredge have vowed to improve salaries of Coast

district teachers, which were ranked 60th among the state’s 71 college

districts in a statewide teachers association study.

Kittredge, the product of a community college education, has earned

his stripes as an activist fighting development along the Bolsa Chica

wetlands in Huntington Beach.

On the education front, Kittredge, who is running against Ruiz, has

done his homework and understands the needs of community college

students.

He supports smaller class sizes, enhanced technology skills training

and securing consistent college funding from the state.

Next week, we urge our readers to do their part to improve education.

Vote for Jean Forbath and Daniel Kittredge in the Coast Community College

District.