The McKINLEYVILLE PRESS says:

By JIM WELSH

Jim Welsh boasts education experience

The incumbent - who was elected to the Northern Humboldt High School District Board of Trustees four years ago - taught high school for 34 years, 26 of those at Mack high. He also taught two decades at College of the Redwoods, one decade at HSU and has received awards for being an outstanding teacher.

"I know about schools, am connected to schools and have proven my committment to education over and over again." Welsh wrote in a prepared statement. The candidate declined an interview and opted instead to submit his answers to questions in writing.

Welsh, who lives in Fieldbrook and is the only non-Arcata resident running for the Board, stated that he has a unique background for a candidate. That includes training over 100 student teachers and teaching numerous courses ranging from English to Physics to Biology. While he's now retired from the high school district, he still teaches in the HSU Education Department and the Veterans Upward Bound Program.

In his written statment, Welsh lists some of his accomplishments during his four years on the Board. Those include improving "methods of evaluating probationary teachers" and "supporting staff development programs." Welsh also supported a grant writing position which he said has brought in over $2 million in funds and several new programs.

Welsh stated that he came on the Board after a period of "Administration/Faculty Conflict" and worked with Superintendent Kenny Richards and other Board Members to "establish a mutually respectful, cooperative and interdependent atmosphere."

Those changes may be one of the reasons that the Faculty Association of the Northern Humboldt Union High School District recently voted to endorse Welsh along with fellow incumbent Cathy Minkema.

'Not chasing the job'

"I'm running because there are still things I'd like to see completed, such as the International Baccalaureate Program at MHS, because I think it would be wrong to not use the knowledge and experience I have gained over many years to benefit our kids and community," Welsh wrote.

"I'm willing to serve; I am not chasing the job. If I felt there was somone who could do it better, I'd gladly go back to being an artist-hermit in Fieldbrook.

Sex Education

One of the hot-button issues in this race is sex education and the treatment last year of the Spare Change Theater Group, which was temporarily halted from performing at Arcata High due to the contents of its sex education performance.

"I just finished reading over the course of study for the Sex Education part of the curriculum," Welsh wrote. "I'd ask anyone to read it and tell me what is missing."

Welsh stated that he would favor a revival of a class taught years ago by Tom Dawson at Arcata high titled "Human Sexuality." This was an in-depth class, freely taken, that aimed to inform kids about the physiological, social and psychological aspects of sexuality," according to Welsh.

Regarding the Spare Change skit, Welsh wrote "Again, no one connected with the schools is opposed to sex education, student peer education, or the use of drama and comedy to educate. This student group was supposed to be under adult supervision at the county level and by Planned Parenthood. Both of these entities failed, in my opinion, in their role of providing guidance for these students. If you think I am wrong on this, then ask at the County Education office to see the new contract with planned parenthood and ask why it was changed," Welsh wrote. "It was not just language that was objected to by our District but also in some cases the message itself. I don't believe that telling kids if you don't have a date, are lonely or bored, go masturbate. Health officials may claim that this is teaching "safe sex," but that's not what I want my kids or grandkids taught."

Declining enrollment

When it comes to dealing with the issue of declining enrollment, Welsh stated that the key is to maintain and enhance the quality of programs.

"We are only limited in this District by our imagination and our ability to conceive new ideas. There is nothing that a private or charter school can do that we are not already doing and doing better. The charter school as it exists at the high school level is very close to being a fraud. The test will come when their students will try to succeed at places like UC, Stanford, et al."

Budget priorities

One of the most difficult jobs any Board Member has is setting budget priorities, especially given the possibilty of budget cuts due to the State's massive deficit. Welsh stated that dealing with the situation will require "skill and judgement in balancing the needs of all. My priorities are centered on holding together the excellent staff we have and on retaining all of our excellent programs. Any cuts made should be made where they least affect our students. Paving parking lots, etc., will have to wait for better times."

School identities

Welsh stated that he is opposed to sharing resources between Arcata and McKinleyville High Schools if that means sharing programs.

"I believe in the individual identity of both AHS and MHS. For example, sharing drama programs and music programs has meant the failure of MHS to develop its own programs to the degree that I believe is possible given the talent of our students. We do not combine football and basketball teams; why should we do it for music and drama? This is not a financial issue in the District."

Parental Participation

Welsh wrote that he does not see any problem with parental participation.

"The School District welcomes it and provides for participation wherever it can. People talk about communication, yet month after month board meetings are empty. Back-to-School and Parent Nights, Boosters, etc., have limited participation. When people complain about communication difficulties, they usually mean that the decisions on a particular issue did not go their way. This does not mean they did not have a chance to express their views or that their views were not listened to, only that they failed to carry the argument."

Student protests

Earlier this year, there was a flap at Arcata High regarding student protest of the Iraq War. Welsh explained how the District should deal with such issues.

"I believe our job is to educate our students to be informed, thinking adults. Along these lines, I think the school should take the initiative and establish forums both in appropriate classes and in special events that bring together diverse views on important topics so that students hear arguments from various sides and are able to make up their own minds on issues. I used this approach successfully in teaching controversial subjects in Biology for 20 years, and I know it works."

Welsh continued, "I believe in the abilities of young people to process diverse arguments and form their own conclusions. I do not believe in brainwashing, regardless of what side it comes from. A program approach like this would prevent special interests from bulldozing their way into the school, distorting the whole idea of education."

Jim Welsh may be reached at 839-0643. Election Day is Nov. 4.

By Jack Durham McKinleyville Press Editor