LAKEPORT — Dan Camacho recently announced his write-in candidacy for a Lakeport Unified School District Governing Board position, amid an election that has become polarized by controversy regarding the administrative leave of a principal and the management of Measure T Bond funds. The Record-Bee spoke with Camacho about his candidacy and his views on district matters. Camacho currently serves on the Lake County Planning Commission.
What compelled you to enter this heated election at the last minute?
After being approached by many teachers, parents and school staff who asked me to enter the race, I felt compelled to enter because I am a neutral person without an agenda that hopefully will make a difference. People have their opinion about what’s going on and what’s not going on at the school, without knowing the actual facts. If I got elected, I’d be committed to researching the facts, and trying to implement things to solve the issues and prevent new issues.
I think the political side of the election has really separated everybody. We’re not friends anymore. Talking to the teachers, a lot of their problem is the election. They want to get it over with.
What would you fix first if elected?
There is an obvious staffing issue—there is no middle school principal and no eight grade teacher. Staffing has always been one of my things.
Do you have concerns about Dan Buffalo, Carly Alvord and Jen Hanson becoming a majority of three on the five person board?
I have no concerns about Dan, Carly or Jen and I wish them all good luck in the upcoming election.
As a board member, what would you do to ensure that Measure T funding is used in alignment with public interest?
If elected to the Board, I would take the time to ensure that the remaining Measure T funds are spent in the best interest of the students. When I served on the Bond Oversight Committee, it was good until the political stuff came up. If I could have made a difference by staying on I would have stayed.
At recent board meetings, LUSD community members have expressed concerns that the district is “falling apart.” Do you agree, and if so, how would you ameliorate this decline?
No, I don’t believe the district is “falling apart”. Of course, our district has problems, like any other district and if elected to the Board, I would take the time to do my research and offer my suggestions on how to resolve the issues and move forward as one community.
How much time will you have to commit to LUSD?
I will have plenty of time to dedicate to LUSD. For the record, I have recently sold my business. Since my kid was in Kindergarten, I’ve always been involved on campus. I am on campus almost every day doing something.
What is the most valuable experience you would bring to the LUSD Governing Board?
The most valuable experience that I bring to the LUSD Governing Board is 13 years of closely working with teachers, administrators, grounds and transportation. In addition, I have served on PTO as a president, Site Council, Boosters, Bond Oversight Committee as well as starting the Clear Lake High School Golf Team and coaching the team for the past 5 years. I also announce high school and West Shore football. So as you can see, I have plenty of time to dedicate to the school board.
Editor’s note: To vote for a write-in candidate, voters must write the candidate’s name in themselves and check the box on their ballot that denotes a write-in has been chosen.
