Tag: Ojai Unified

My Future Candidacy

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.

Categories
Uncategorized

7/11 Committee Forming; New OUSD Website

Two new and exciting developments:

The District has unveiled its new and improved web site.  Of course it looks great, but I think you’ll also notice that it’s easier to find the important information you’re looking for.  My congratulations to staff for a successful launch.

The District is forming a 7-11 Committee.  What’s that, you say?  Here’s the scoop.  According to a recent enrollment study, the OUSD can soon expect to be about half the size it was during its peak enrollment, or about 2400-2500 students.  We have facilities for our former enrollment of over 4000 students.  What, if anything, should we do with excess property? This is a very important committee, and your chance to participate in the conversation about the future of our elementary schools here in the valley.  We’re seeking between seven and eleven stalwart members who will focus on a study of options for the number and sites of our elementary schools in the future.

Interested?  Find the brief application on the OUSD home page, or go here.  Appointments to the Committee will occur at either the September 15 or October 6 Board Meeting. It is anticipated that the Committee’s work will span from October, 2015 through February, 2016 with at least two meetings per month except in December.