I’ve been giving it a lot of thought, and after much consideration, I’ve decided not to run for re-election this November. I’ve served OUSD for eight years, and I think it’s time for someone new to step up.
Being on the OUSD board has been a privilege and a joy. Watching our students grow and progress is heart-feeding. And make no mistake, our students are exceptional people.
I was happy to be involved in hiring, in my opinion, one of the best superintendents in the county. Dr. Morse took a moribund district and has transformed it through innovation and creativity. Is it finished? No, nor does the District make every decision perfectly. But the importance is in the trying.
I know that there remain multiple important decisions for the Board before my term expires. It’s been suggested that, if I don’t run, I should stop working as a Board member and leave it all for the next person. That doesn’t make sense to me. I was elected to serve a term, and I feel it mandatory that I do so.
And most of all, to the community who elected me twice, thank you Ojai for the opportunity to serve my adopted home. I tried to live up to the values I campaigned on, and I’m proud of my time on the Board.
Shanahan for Ojai 