Parents and community members expressed worries this week about the Greenfield Union School District when the California State Board of Education paid them a visit. They were concerned about budget cuts, teacher layoffs and upcoming reforms.

But when it comes to appointing a state trustee, one sentiment was echoed by several people: They wanted someone willing to work with everyone in the district, from principals to parents, and someone who understands the town's diversity.

"Our trustee should be open, not set on this one way, and able to understand the community," said Carol Morris, who has grandchildren in the district. School standards are written in English, she said, but when the documents are sent home in English or Spanish, and nobody at home understands either language, "we have to help them."

The State Board of Education voted last month to appoint a trustee for Greenfield — and for Alisal Union School District — to help boost test scores. As part of finding a trustee, state board president Ted Mitchell and other state education administrators held a meeting Thursday to hear community concerns.

Greenfield's population is 88 percent Latino, and is home to a large population of Triqui and Mixteco, indigenous groups from southern Mexico whose primary languages are not Spanish.

It is not known how many indigenous Mexicans live in town, but officials estimate they account for about 3,000 of more than 17,000 residents.

The number of

indigenous children who attend Greenfield schools is not readily available, said Superintendent Elida Garza.