Two incumbents were sworn in at the Sweetwater Union High School District’s recent board meeting.
Board President Pearl Quinones and trustee Bertha Lopez each bested their opponents to serve another term on the school board. Quinones received approximately 35 percent of the votes, securing seat 2, while Lopez secured seat 4, beating out opponent Burt Grossman by a margin of 10 percent.
Both made remarks Monday evening after being sworn in.
Lopez was sworn in by husband and Otay Water District board member Jose Lopez.
Lopez said last month that her foremost priority is academic excellence, followed by fiscal responsibility and getting an audit for Prop. O funds as well as transparency with the community.
“It’s been a tough three and a half years,” Lopez said. “I plan to do what’s best for this district.”
Lopez asked the public to continue coming to the meetings.
“Let us know about your concerns,” she said. “…Thank you for your respect and all your help.”
San Diego Mayor Bob Filner showed up to stand next to Quinones as she was sworn in holding her 3-month-old grandson.
Filner said he supported both women during their reelection.
After Quinones’ son Eric swore her in, she thanked her supporters and family, including Filner, National City Mayor
Ron Morrison and former Chula Vista councilman Steve Castaneda.
“I am honored beyond words for all the people who stood by me and supported me,” she said. “I will be forever grateful to all of you.”
Quinones also thanked the public for the opportunity to represent them once again.
“My campaign was about taking pride in what we have accomplished in the last few years,” she said.
Following the oaths of office, district Superintendent Dr. Ed Brand thanked Quinones and trustee Jim Cartmill for their service as president and vice president, respectively.
“To say that 2012 was a difficult, challenging year would be an understatement,” Brand said.
Brand said the plaques were for the hard work that the pair did while under fire due to district controversies.
Last December Quinones became one of two current and two former board members whose homes were raided by the District Attorney’s Office and then indicted on felony charges for allegedly filing false documents, accepting bribes and committing perjury.
The trial is set to begin next month.
