Candidate Melancon dedicated to schools

Joann Melancon and family Calabasas resident Joann Melancon is running for the Las Virgenes Unified School District’s board of education on a platform of change.

Melancon is one of four candidates vying for three school board seats. The election will be on Nov. 8.

Melancon believes that the current board of trustees reacts to problems rather than avoiding them. She also says the board lacks the ability to communicate clearly with parents, teachers and staff.

Melancon said she was miffed when former Calabasas High School Principal J. Guidetti was demoted to “principal on special assignment,” and expressed dismay at how parents and school staff were not kept informed about his status.

“The way (it was) handled reflects a lack of respect and consideration for the individuals involved and the unique needs of individual schools and the communities they serve,” Melancon said. “Honesty in communication, respect for individual viewpoints and the ability to put myself in someone else’s shoes are strengths I will bring to the table.”

Donald Zimring, deputy superintendent of schools, said the district is governed by strict confidentiality laws with personnel issues.

Melancon’s power of persuasion got the attention of district staff. She said the district accepted her idea of having Guidetti help Dave Jackson make the transition as the new Calabasas principal.

Another issue in this year’s school board election involves the Calabasas Education Fund and whether it should be allowed to provide donations to Calabasas schools only.

The issue is filled with legalities.

“Inequity is very hard to define because it depends on what each school feels is a priority,” said Melancon. “Unfortunately, the giving of money can blur the boundaries between the goals and priorities of the donor and that of the recipient. . .There are a lot of strings attached when the city gives money to the schools.”

Having worked at three other school districts in the country, Melancon said she would bring valuable experience to Las Virgenes.

She’s serving her third year as co-president of Calabasas High School’s Parent Faculty Club and is the co-founder/executive vice president of the Las Virgenes Special Education Parent Teacher Association. She’s also the founding member of a task force that is working to bring a universally accessible playground to the community.

If elected, Melancon wants to tackle the “one-size-fits all” state education standards.

“How do we create an educational atmosphere where every child can progress at their individual pace if we are tied to a onesize-fits-all standard from the state,” Melancon said.

She said pacing the curriculum to the needs of the students is “sacrificed” in the drive to raise standardized test score by incremental amounts, even though all Las Virgenes schools are performing well above state standards.

“I think that Joann is a dynamic, well versed and truly knowledgeable about every aspect that goes on at all levels of Las Virgenes Schools,” said Andrea Jaffe, past president of Agoura High School’s Parent Faculty Club.

Although Melancon is a strong leader at the local school level, some community members have questioned her qualifications as a board member since she rarely attends board meetings.

“I am very committed to all my volunteer activities,” Melancon said. Because of her involvement at the school site level, Melancon believes she is well informed about issues facing the district.

Melancon has faced many challenges as the single parent of three sons. One child has special needs, another is gifted and a third faced challenges as an athlete.

“All in all, I feel I bring experience, communication skills, and out-of-the-box problem-solving ability to the table,” Melancon said.