1998 California Primary Election
Candidate Statements
Superintendent of Public Instruction
   PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A NON-PARTISAN OFFICE
  • As chief spokesperson for public schools, provides education policy and direction to local school districts.
  • Directs the Department of Education, executing the policies set by the State Board of Education.
  • Serves as an ex-officio member of the governing boards of the state's higher education system.
  • Works with the educational community to improve academic performance.
Candidate Photo Mark Isler 8019 Haskell Avenue
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(818) 994-1088 Extension 27
Californians are justifiably unhappy with our schools. As a former teacher and businessman, I have seen first hand that too many high school graduates can't read, write, spell, or even fill out a job application. Experiments, theories, and fads have replaced sound education. We must create a safe, disciplined, and positive learning environment. We need to help all students master English, then bring students together and focus on high achievement. We should support parents in finding the best education for their children--traditional public schools, charter schools, private schools, or home schooling. Parents need a voice in education!
E-Mail: markisler@aol.com
Candidate Photo Barbara Carpenter P.O. Box 3195
La Jolla, CA 92038-3195
Elect an educational professional, not a politician! I support: training teachers in core academics (with K-3 as a specialty); emphasizing "back to basics" teaching; empowering teachers with curriculum selection; offering vouchers to disadvantaged students; eliminating federal and downsizing state departments of education. In 1980, after raising four children, I left corporate America to devote myself full-time to education. I earned a Ph.D. in education and began teaching, first at the University of Connecticut, and then at National University's School of Education. In 1992, I was elected to the San Diego County Board of Education and served as president in 1996.
Web Site: info@barbaracarpenter.com
www.barbaracarpenter.com
Candidate Photo Delaine Eastin 530 Howard Street, Suite 250
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 495-4910
Since I took office four years ago, we have begun to restore pride to the once-great California schools. We reduced class sizes from 30 students to 20 in grades K-3. We organized Net Day, dramatically increasing student access to technology. And we set high statewide standards for the core subject areas, mathematics and English. We still have a lot of work to do! We need a longer school year, safer school campuses, an end to social promotion, and new technology to prepare students for the 21st century. Please join me in giving our kids the schools they deserve.
Web Site: www.eastin98.com
Candidate Photo Miles Everett Box 1073
Windsor, CA 95492
(707) 431-7274
I am a native Californian, a graduate of Deep Springs College, with a PhD in History from UC Berkeley. I spent nearly 5 years in the U.S. Army as an enlisted man, commissioned officer, and aviator. I taught college courses for ten years, then spent two decades in private business. During the past decade I've studied child development and schooling, written and published a book about the impact of television on children and schools, and completed teacher training at Sonoma State University. I am credentialed to teach Kindergarten through High School. I am married and enjoying eight grandchildren.
E-Mail: miles@sonic.net
Candidate Photo Gloria Matta Tuchman Post Office Box 1652
Tustin, CA 92680
(714) 862-4155
I believe all high school graduates should be able to read, write and speak in English. I do not favor social promotion. I believe in class size reduction, removal of disruptive students from classrooms and the guarantee of textbooks and modern technology for all students. Twice elected to the Tustin Board of Education, I have been teaching for 33 years. I have served on three Presidential education reform boards in Washington, D.C. Currently, I am Co-Chairman of "English for the Children," the campaign to eliminate the costly and ineffective bilingual programs that are victimizing our children.
Web Site: www.gmt4spi.com
The order of the candidates was determined by random alphabet drawing. Statements on this page were supplied by the candidates and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Submission of statements was voluntary. Candidates who did not submit statements could otherwise be qualified to appear on the ballot.