RAMONA – Seven candidates are competing for two seats on the Ramona school board. Bob Hailey and Chris Smith, the two incumbents whose terms are up, are not seeking re-election.

The issues include making sure students who want to attend college are properly prepared; maintaining a curriculum that includes music, art and vocational studies; and encouraging involvement by parents.

Here are the candidates:

Kim Lasley, 51, is a parent who owns Kritter Kamp, a boarding kennel.

“I've been active in the PTA for 11 years and have been a parent representative at the schools,” Lasley said. “I've gone to board meetings for three years and I want to help ensure that good decisions are made that benefit the kids.”

Dan Lopez, 38, is a parent, educator and businessman. Lopez has worked for 14 years as a teacher and administrator in the San Diego Unified and Poway Unified school districts. He is president of TurnAround Schools, an educational consulting organization, and has served for 10 years on the board of directors of the California League of Middle Schools.

“If elected, I plan to raise expectations so that each student will be prepared for college if they choose to attend,” he said. “I will challenge the status quo so the district can be known for the highest caliber of education.”

Web site: www.ElectDanLopez.com

Mark Lucas, 40, is the chief business officer for the Borrego Springs Unified School District, and a former board member of the Wilsona School District in Palmdale. He has been an active volunteer in local church and community theater and a judge for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association.

Ramona Unified School District Election: Seven candidates seeking two seats Facilities: Two high schools, one middle school, five elementary schools and two independent study campuses Student population: 6,600

“In these difficult times, Ramona schools need experienced leadership that can maintain fiscal solvency while continuing to provide a quality curriculum to our students that includes music, art and vocational programs,” Lucas said.

Dawn Perfect, 42, is a community volunteer who has served on the Ramona Unified School District budget committee and the district's hiring interview panel. She also has been a Safe Pathways to Schools advocate and a school site council chair. She is a member of the Transportation and Trails Committee of the community planning group, and is involved with Ramona parks and recreation, Boy Scouts and youth sports.

“Voters can expect me to support sound fiscal policy, and solid core academic education including vocational instruction, athletics and the arts,” Perfect said. “I believe in strong connections between the school and community.”

John Rajcic, 77, worked in sales and was an educator. Rajcic taught at the high school and university levels, was deputy superintendent of the Irvine Unified School District, worked as a business manager and taught finance.

“Declining enrollment and outstanding debt pose financial difficulties,” Rajcic said. “My experience in the private sector and education will be beneficial. Priorities include encouraging teachers to have high expectations for students, eliminating administrative redundancy and welcoming public discussion.”

Joe Thelin, 52, is a computer scientist.

“I volunteer at my son's school and I belong to Friends of Ramona Library,” Thelin said. “I am running for the school board to ensure that the decisions made by the board are in the children's best interest.”

Web site: www.thelinforschoolboard.com

Al Valentin, 48, is a parent and is manager of the logistics and supply chain at JB Hunt Transport. He served on the Ramona Pony Baseball board of directors in 2006 and belongs to the Knights of Columbus.

“My goal is to work with parents, teachers and school board administration to ensure that our teachers have the tools to teach and our students have the environment to excel,” Valentin said.

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Julie Pendray is a freelance writer who lives in Escondido.