MURRIETA —— The similarities and differences among those vying for one of two open seats on the school board became more clear after the candidates took part in a forum Monday.

The event was sponsored by the Murrieta Valley Council PTA and Cole Canyon Parent-Teacher Club, and about 150 students, parents, teachers and concerned residents showed up to listen to the contenders voice their opinions on a variety of issues.

The candidates are incumbent and small-business owner Kris Thomasian and challengers conservative attorney Richard Ackerman, small-business owner Robin Crist, small-business owner Jan Fletcher, teacher Jacqueline Hanny, freelance journalist Wyatt Haupt, educational consultant Sheree Jederberg and pastor John Wells. Jederberg did not attend Monday's forum.

The candidates were asked several questions, including their position on three of the ballot propositions Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is including among his so-called ballot reforms that will be decided by voters during the Nov. 8 election: Propositions 74, 75 and 76.

Prop. 74 would extend the teacher probationary period in California from two years to five; Prop. 75 would require public employee unions to get permission to use members' dues for political purposes; and Prop. 76 would establish a state spending cap and give the governor more control over the budget.

Crist, Hanny, Haupt and Thomasian were each against all three measures, citing reasons such as the propositions as a whole would not improve public education. They also said Prop. 74 is unnecessary and would not help attract quality teachers to the classroom, that Prop. 75 silences working-class voices, and that Prop. 76 could reduce educational spending at the state level.

"They do nothing to advance education," Haupt said of the three propositions.

Ackerman said he stands against Prop. 74 and Prop. 76, but wholeheartedly supports Prop. 75.

Wells said he supports Prop. 74 and Prop 75, but is somewhat concerned about Prop. 76.

Distinguishing herself among the pack was Fletcher, who came out strongly in support of all three measures, saying that district officials need more time to determine how well a teacher is performing, that the unions should not have control of teachers' paychecks, and that the state needs more fiscal responsibility and gives about 50 percent of its budget to public education.

"I want a balanced budget," Fletcher said of Prop. 76. "I think this helps secure it."

The candidates also weighed in on what type of qualities they prefer to see in the next superintendent, as the board is charged with replacing former Superintendent Chet Francisco, who resigned in September after leading the district since 1997.

Ackerman noted his support for a friendly, approachable leader who will listen and communicate well with the community. Crist cited her desire to see someone similar to Francisco, someone who loves children and is decisive in the top seat.

Fletcher said she would look for a candidate who is a proven leader and a team player. Echoing that notion, Wells said he would like to find someone who is a team player and has an assertive, strong character. Likewise, Hanny cited integrity and character as her top two qualities.

Thomasian said she wants to hire someone who is focused on academics and a good listener and communicator.

The forum consisted of predetermined questions the candidates were made aware of Friday as well as questions from the audience. For example, Wells was asked why his children attended private schools and prior to that they were homeschooled.

Wells responded by saying that his children did attend Rail Ranch Elementary School and Vail Ranch Middle School prior to the family decision to home school them then send them to a private Christian school. He said it was based on their desire to make education a priority in the home. Wells also said that he has paid taxes and lived in Murrieta for 11 years, and cares about the city and its people.

Haupt was asked why his is running, as earlier in the evening he said he has not raised money not put up election signs. Haupt responded by saying that his father worked in public education as a teacher and administrator for 35 years.

"I'd just like to serve as part of a team that looks after the best interests of teachers, parents and students," Haupt said, adding that he was inspired by his father.

During opening statements, Crist also said she wanted to comment on some opinions in the community who have said she would be a "rubber-stamp" if elected to the board.

"I am okay with that," she said. "I support teachers, site administrators and the district personnel as they continue to raise the bar for students."

Another forum is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday at City Hall, 26442 Beckman Court.

Contact staff writer Jennifer Kabbany at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2625, or jkabbany@californian.com.