LVUSD School Board reorganizes

By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

CHANGING OF THE GUARD- Judy Jordan, who completes her term as president of the Las Virgenes Unified School District Board of Education, receives flowers from Gordon Whitehead, who takes over as the new president. See related story on page 8.

The Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD) Board of Education reorganized last week, welcoming Gordon Whitehead as president. Whitehead replaced Judy Jordan in the position, which rotates annually.

Cindy Iser will serve as vice president, and Terilyn Finders will take the helm as clerk.

Jordan was honored at the ceremony for her service over the past year. Board members thanked Jordan for being a "role model." Among those attending the event were representatives from the state Assembly office and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors as well as Agoura Hills, Westlake Village and Calabasas city council members.

"I’ve come to realize that you guys have a tougher job than we do," said Agoura Hills Mayor Ed Corridori.

Calabasas Councilmember James Bozajian said that he was proud that Jordan was "one of ours," referring to her residency in Calabasas. And the outgoing president "did an amazing job managing four sets of (city) council egos," according to Westlake Village Councilmember Jim Bruno.

Red Godfrey, president of the Calabasas Education Fund, said that Jordan was an inspiration and that the teamwork between board members and the education fund made for an "incredible year."

Sandi Pope, co-president of the Las Virgenes Education Association, said that Jordan’s longevity on the board is invaluable. Jordan has been a member of the board of education since 1989.

Jordan highlighted the board’s work over the year, citing the opening of Alice C. Stelle Middle School (ACS) in Calabasas, the passage of Measure E, the parcel tax that will supplement many programs in the district, and the city/school partnerships that took on greater importance last year due to state fiscal problems. Jordan called ACS the "crown jewel of our schools" and noted that splitting the student population has given A. E. Wright Middle School new opportunities for more individualized education.

Jordan also spoke about the challenge of the new Yerba Buena Elementary School site and the search for a new superintendent. Before turning over the gavel to Whitehead, Jordan said, "I want to acknowledge the contribution of every board member. You are always professional, focusing all your efforts on what is best for the students in our district. It truly has been a pleasure to serve as your president because each of you made the job easy."