Let’s keep Finders on school board

Terilyn Finders, the current Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD) board president, is running for reelection this November. Our community must reelect this incredibly dedicated and talented board member for another successful term.

I have known Terilyn for several years, first as a fellow parent in the Las Virgenes school system and now as a school board member. As a parent, Terilyn was always active and involved with the local schools. She supported not only her daughters’ activities, but those of other students. Terilyn developed strong relationships with the parents, the teachers, the school administrators, and especially the students. She frequently took time to approach students to compliment them on their achievements and inquire about how they were handling 1life in general. "Kids first" was Terilyn’s typical response to any issue involving the students.

Terilyn’s transition to school board member was transparent and seemingly effortless. She continued to support school events (although I’m sure many more activities were added to her schedule) and she continued to maintain her gracious and sincere relationships with other parents, teachers, school administrators and especially the students.

I have had occasion to work with Terilyn on various school issues and she has been consistently concerned, involved, efficient and effective in working through challenges. Although Terilyn is respectful of others and a great listener, she doesn’t hesitate to offer critical insights into the issue and express the opposing views and concerns of the "other side."

Terilyn is not afraid to tread on political land mines in order to make sure that decisions and actions taken result in outcomes that put our "kids first."

Terilyn’s achievements while she has served as a LVUSD school board member include many success stories. Some of these successes are published as part of her reelection campaign. However, my guess is that the majority of her successes and accomplishments, and the ones that have given her the most satisfaction, are achievements that cannot be published because they involve confidential matters where difficult issues required her genuine and caring approach.

Thank you, Terilyn Finders, for dedicating your life these last few years to our children. Thank you for agreeing to run for reelection during one of the most difficult times we will face in this state with our school systems. Here is our opportunity as voters to directly affect the direction our state and schools are taking. We need to make sure our local governing bodies are in good hands and that someone is putting our "kids first." Let’s make sure we all get out and vote for Terilyn Finders!

Shelley Ross Saxer

Agoura Hills