On Nov. 6, candidates across the nation will vie for seats at the local, state and national levels. In East County as the race heats up, voters in the Byron Union School District (BUSD) will also be asked to cast their votes for the school board of trustees. This term, two seats and three candidates will be on the ballot. Here is a brief look at the candidates.

Incumbent Ken Silman has served on the BUSD board for the last eight years. Eager to take on a third term, the Heritage High School journalism teacher and married father of two said he believes the current board has done a solid job and that the district should be proud of its two distinguished school honors and rising API scores. It’s his hope that voters will allow him to stay the course.

“We’ve made a lot of progress and we’ve seen some really wonderful outcomes,” said Silman. “But part of me says the job isn’t done yet. I’ve enjoyed my time on the board and the people I’ve worked with. It’s not an easy job, but there are lots of rewards.”

First-time candidate Mark McBride agrees that the current school board has done an excellent job in all areas. But the married father of three children – one of whom is autistic – believes he brings a unique and personal perspective to the special needs population.

“My agenda is more about special education and making sure the district remains in compliance,” said McBride. “And I would like to maybe see the district bring back some of the special-education programs that are currently farmed out to districts like Oakley. Why not bring the kids and the dollars back into our own district?

“I would also like the school district to become one of those districts that attracts people when they move to a community. I want people to look at our (test) scores and look at our schools and see what a great place it is. I want the schools to be one of their deciding factors when they move here.”

An active PTA parent, classroom volunteer, girl scout leader, CYO cheer coach and Vacation Bible School instructor, first-time candidate Bobbi Greene said she’s dedicated to education and committed to making a difference. Since 2001 the Discovery Bay resident has been involved in the school district where both of her daughters attended kindergarten through eighth grade.

“While recent years have been tough for public education in the State of California,” Greene wrote in a prepared statement, “our schools have continued to thrive. My goal is to be of service and support as a board trustee and to our school district as it continues to ensure that student achievement remains the highest priority.”