In Area 3 of the district, which includes Campbell and West San Jose, there are three candidates—Frank Jewett, Chris Constantin and Joy Atkins—running for two seats. While they are all incumbents, due to redistricting and population decline, their district lost one seat to Area 2.

In Area 2, which includes Santa Clara and portions of San Jose, there are another three candidates—incumbent Robert Owens, Christopher Stampolis and Ronald Stasiak—running for two seats.

All of the candidates running for the four seats have extensive volunteer experience, involvement in the community and expertise in differing facets of education. While the candidates must reside in the areas they represent, they are elected to serve the district at large.

Jewett, of Campbell, works in small-business consulting and has lived in the area since 1983.

"I'm very committed to improving the quality of life of residents in the valley," he said. "I believe education is the cornerstone to our economic development."

If re-elected, Jewett is hoping to outline and implement strategies to increase the district's long-term revenue. In addition to financial planning, he hopes to support the district's faculty and staff, make sure classes are offered that students need and develop stronger ties with surrounding cities and alumni.

"I have the energy, desire, determination and motivation to help see this district move forward in a very positive way," he said.

Constantin, an auditor who lives in San Jose, said he's hoping to restore class sections eliminated during the budget crisis, expand partnerships with local high schools to provide advanced classes and programs, and to enhance firefighter and police training programs to meet local demand for well-trained emergency services.

"I am an honest, straightforward person who is willing to listen to anyone who has an idea, complaint or suggestion," he said. "I serve the people's will through what I believe is right—and I believe that the people want a successful community college that transfers students to four-year universities, provides unique opportunities for high school students to take advanced classes, extracurricular activities and remedial classes not available in the high schools."

Atkins, a retired West Valley College administrative analyst and longtime Campbell resident, hopes to make sure the district spends money wisely and plans to evaluate the district chancellor's effectiveness in office. Atkins, a 1976 graduate of West Valley College whose three grown children also attended the school, said her experience as a student, parent, employee and board member in the district all add up. In her 16th year as a board member, she's only missed one special board meeting.

"It's very important that board members work as a team, and it's very important no one board member has any more power than the other," she said.

Owens, a 41-year resident of Santa Clara and retired attorney, has decided to seek another term on the board so he can contribute to the development of a strong management team dedicated to improving the educational programs offered by the district. He's also hoping to help the district improve its financial position through creative planning and resource management.

"I believe I am a strong candidate for the board because I am experienced after serving one term on the board, which has made me knowledgeable about the district's programs, operations and services," he said. "I have served as counsel to community college and public school districts in Santa Clara County since 1965."

Stampolis, a planning commissioner for the city of Santa Clara, said he's hoping to increase distance education by offering more access to courses on television and the Internet, as well as offering more core classes for students.

"We can serve more students without reducing the quality of life for the fine Saratoga residents who live around the West Valley College campus," he said.

He's hoping to also enhance the district's community outreach and build strong partnerships with local businesses. Stampolis said his experience as a community leader makes him able to listen to the community from both sides of an issue, ask the right questions and make informed decisions.

Stasiak, a financial adviser who has lived in San Jose since 1962, said his goal in running for the board is to find out why the amount of money being spent on the community college education system isn't producing the most positive results possible. He'd like to find ways to free up funds to make sure teachers are justly compensated and are more effective in the classrooms.

He'd also like curriculum to be more challenging so students aren't just earning "meaningless degrees"; rather, they are taking more of an interest in learning to become better prepared to enter the workforce. Stasiak said his occupation involves dealing with people and looking at budgets, aspects he hopes to bring to the board if elected.