Auburn resident Don Brophy, 76, was set to finally retire from education this year. But after more than 40 years within the scholastic community, Brophy decided another four wouldn’t hurt.

A retired Sierra College Dean, Brophy is one of eight candidates running for four spots on the Placer County Office of Education Board of Trustees. He and challenger Pam Robie Hart will compete to represent Area 4, which includes Auburn and upper Placer County.

“I guess my personality is to do my very best to make a difference in our community,” Brophy said. “I believe through education we’re going to better the lives of people.”

Brophy listed several reasons as to why he is seeking another term including being an ear and voice for the public concerning education budget issues. He said he also wants to further promote vocational education.

One of the main issues of this year’s board campaign is the discussion of unifying the county’s school districts. Brophy said he believes it is not the county board’s place to take a stance. Instead, he said he believes local school districts should make that decision.

“If the issue is important enough to be pursued, take it up with local boards,” Brophy said. “Don’t go to the county office and use it like a big club.”

He added that if local districts want to unify, the county board would help in whatever way it can. However, he objected to the county office paying a consultant $30,000 to do a revenue study in July. He said local districts should pay for that instead.

He acknowledged that the idea had some positive aspects including a possible $6.9 million in new monies and coordinating schedules and curriculum countywide.

On the other side, Brophy said boards giving up local control and the idea that all schools would have to assume the financial debt for other schools were arguments against reorganizing nine districts into one.

“That loss of local control is a very emotional one with districts,” Brophy said. “They want to have a say in their own local schools.”

He added that monitoring more than 12,000 students in one administrative office was another challenge.

“I’m not an advocate of the concept bigger is necessarily better,” Brophy said.

During his 12-year service as a county office board member, Brophy said the board’s fiscal conservatism is one accomplishment. He said he has been a strong supporter of regional occupation programs and helped develop scholarships for vocational students through his Rotary Club.

Brophy said his combined 46 years of experience in education, which includes holding a board position, being a teacher, counselor, administrator and special education therapist, has provided him with “realistic and rational insights” to take on the board role again.

“I believe in promoting higher standards of responsibility and accountability at all levels in all of our schools,” Brophy said. “This will lead to better performance, improved tests and broader public support.”

The Journal's Jenifer Gee can be reached at jeniferg@goldcountrymedia.com or post a comment.

----------

Name: Don Brophy

Age: 76

City: Auburn

Profession: Retired executive dean emeritus from Sierra College

History: 12-year Placer County Office of Education board trustee

Education: Ph.D. higher education research and planning with psychology emphasis, University of San Francisco. Master’s in psychology and counseling and bachelor’s in history from California State University, Chico

----------