Voters elect 2 new faces to Ocean View School District

Angelique Flores

Two of the area’s school districts will have three new faces and an

incumbent come next year.

In a close finish, first-time candidates Pam Ogdon and Barbara

Boskovich were elected to the Ocean View School District Board of

Trustees. Ogdon received 9,839 votes, or 23.8%, while Boskovich pulled a

close second with 9,432 votes, or 22.9%. They both defeated incumbent Peg

Edey, who came in fifth with 13.2%, or 5,465 votes.

“This is where my heart is,” Ogdon said. “This is a good place for me

to be.”

The other open seat on the board was left vacant by Linda Kovach, who

decided not to run again after serving one term.

Ogdon, who presides over the district’s PTA, and Boskovich are

relieved the election is over.

“I’m very much delighted that the people have the faith in me to have

elected me,” Boskovich said.

The two candidates, who were endorsed by the Ocean View Teachers

Assn., are prepared to tackle two of the district’s main issues --

building gymnasiums at the four middle schools and negotiating teacher

salaries.

“I’m happy that I was elected and chosen by the people,” added

Boskovich, who was a vocal opponent in the fight against Wal-Mart. “I

hope that I will be accepted by the current board.”

Boskovich is looking forward to working with the board “for a common

cause, which is the education of children and the teachers.”

Candidates Andrea Graboff came in with 8,401, or 20.4% of the votes,

and Jim Peters came in with 7,936, or 19.2% of the votes.

In the Huntington Beach Union High School District, incumbent Michael

Simons and newcomer Susan Henry will take seats on the school board.

With a strong lead from the beginning of the vote tally, Henry came

out on top with 37,176, or 25.6%, of the votes.

The win came as a surprise for the first-time candidate.

“I’m really pleased,” Henry said. “I’m glad I did so well.”

Simons earned 23,765, or 16.3%, of the votes. He was surprised -- and

at times worried -- at the closeness of the votes between himself and

John Gibson, who came in with 23,441, or 16.1%, of the votes.

“My ego will recover,” he said. “I’m happy for the support I did get.

A win’s a win.”

Having served for more than nine years, Simons is ready for his third

term.

“Let’s get on with the business of working for the kids,” he said.

Candidates Marjorie O’Neill brought in 21,404, or 14.7% of the votes.

Ted Tadayon garnered 21,066, or 14.5%, of the votes. Debbie Holmes, came

in with 17,842, or 12.3%, of the votes. Henry will replace Bonnie Bruce

on the board, who decided not to run after serving on the board for 10

years.

“I’m very delighted to have Michael Simons reelected,” said Supt.

Susan Roper. “He’s been a proven leader. I’m also pleased to welcome

Susan Henry. She’ll make a wonderful addition to the community.”