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The Tamalpais Union High School District Board of Trustees has been in the spotlight for a variety of reasons in recent years.

While some have credited it with making tough decisions meant to address fiscal concerns amid academic issues following the COVID-19 pandemic, others have been frustrated by lackluster communication and perceived disrespect by some board members toward constituents.

With two incumbents, a former board member and four newcomers running for three seats on the November ballot, this election will either support the status quo or be a mandate for change.

Board President Cynthia Roenisch and Trustee Kevin Saavedra are frequently discussed incumbents. They are credited for their roles in pushing the district to make responsible financial decisions and for the search that resulted in the hiring of Superintendent Courtney Goode last year.

However, both have been singled out for communication practices that agitate some constituents. It’s true that Roenisch and Saavedra endured nasty and inappropriate personal attacks in meetings and online, but it’s also true that their defensive reactions sometimes put up walls for some students, parents and teachers.

Constituents battling Roenisch and Saavedra often became aggressive while expressing concerns about changes in programs for academically vulnerable students from historically marginalized groups. Incivility is a problem. But we also believe in elected officials who keep their cool, find constructive criticism between the insults and respond with a level head.

Former board member Leslie Harlander, constitutional lawyer Brian Sutherland, retired district teacher Valerie Wynn and community activist Joy Scully Koo joined the incumbents in a meeting with the IJ editorial board. All challengers said rebuilding trust is a priority. Spanish educator Maria Sandoval is also on the ballot, but missed our meeting. Incumbent Emily Uhlhorn did not run for reelection.

Harlander says getting to know Goode, who was universally lauded by all during the IJ meeting, fueled a desire to get her seat back after two years away.

“We have a new superintendent and it is in the district’s best interest, as well as the students’ best interest, for him to succeed,” Harlander said. “We face huge issues in the district. I bring institutional knowledge and an understanding of potential landmines.”

Sutherland says the board must be “consensus driven.” He said he plans to model the kind of behavior the community expects, adding that he is uniquely qualified to “analyze laws and use consultants widely to determine what is possible” for each big decision.

“I am pragmatic and sensitive to community concerns while also thinking about how to use the levers of law and policy to achieve structural change for the benefit of students,” Sutherland said.

Sutherland suggested that the district’s current policy regarding artificial-intelligence technology is lacking. He agreed with others that restrictions to ensure students primarily learn on their own are important, but said he supports “the appointment of an AI task force so the policy can be thoughtfully designed.” While saying AI creates “alarming” problems for teachers, there is a “flip side” where it could be used for “students who need intensive tutoring.”

Wynn taught in the district and her children graduated from district high schools. She has a law degree and, before becoming a teacher, practiced in San Francisco for 15 years where she represented “boards, districts and public agencies.” She volunteered for the PTA board, the Mill Valley Kiddo fundraising organization and the Tamalpais High School site council.

“Too many students, parents, teachers and community members feel left out right now,” Wynn said. “A trusted board is an effective board.”

Like several other candidates, Wynn called teachers in the classroom a crucial ingredient for improving student experience, education and test scores. She said, “sometimes teachers feel uncomfortable approaching the superintendent or board members so they hold back. We need to show we are a safe place.”

Koo has degrees in engineering and business administration. She served on the Tam High site council and the Measure G bond oversight commission that helps fund the district. She also worked for the recent Measure B tax proposal that passed in 2024.

The universal support for the hiring of Goode shows that the board is taking strong steps toward being fiscally responsible while providing excellent public education for all district students. But too many in the community feel burned by the behavior of some board members. The trust needs to be restored.

With that in mind, the IJ editorial board recommends Leslie Harlander, Brian Sutherland and Valerie Wynn for seats on the Tamalpais Union High School District Board of Trustees in the November election.