Susan Kramer and Mario Ramos were the only candidates to file petitions seeking seats on the Douglas Unified School District Governing Board in the November election.

The three seats being vacated are incumbents Danny Ortega, Jr, and Art Estrada, both former board presidents, and member Gloria Varela.

Kramer said she was seeking a seat because “After 27 years as a teacher, I know the inside as well as the parent’s point of view. I can see both sides of the issue for teachers and the community.

“I see room for improvement, and I want our schools to produce the best schools we can.”

Ramos said he knew the board was losing three good people and I wanted to be sure that the new board members echoed my concern for the community, education of the students, and being fir to the teachers.

“We needed to try the best we can to make sure our students get the education they need for a good start in their life. We need to make sure that money is spent wisely and appropriately.”

Since there are only two candidates, it is likely a third member will have to be appointed in January 2009. Leaving the board is former President Danny Ortega Jr. He has been active in the business community as manager of The Shoe Salon, a family-owned business  rooted in the history of Douglas and the surrounding communities.

His concern for children and providing them with the best education possible was the motivation behind his desire to serve on the DUSD Governing Board. Being able to see a Douglas High School graduate succeed in his or her chosen field and knowing that DUSD provided a springboard for that success is the best feeling in the world, he said.

Another former Board President, Art Estrada returned to the board after an absence.

He has been dedicated to helping the District attract outstanding teachers to serve the district's students and provide teachers with competitive salaries. He's lived in Douglas for 30 years.

The final member leaving is Gloria Varela. She said she chose to serve because she wanted to give back to the community. Her primary concern was to make a difference with regard to decisions that will benefit students. She is a Douglas native, born and raised here.