Oak Park school personnel earn statewide recognition
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

Three Oak Park Unified School District staff members have earned recognition from the Association of California School Administrators.

Oak Park High School Principal Lynn McCormack was selected secondary principal of the year, assistant superintendent Cliff Moore was chosen as personnel/human resources administrator of the year and director of pupil services Cathy Skiba was named special education administrator of the year.

"We've never had three people win this in one year, so it says a lot about the quality of these people," said Tony Knight, Oak Park superintendent of schools.

The association honors its top administrators, choosing candidates through a nomination process from hundreds of schools. Region 13 of the association encompasses Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and portions of Los Angeles County and is one of 19 throughout California that make up the state association.

Winners are honored by their individual regions as well as by the state umbrella organization, which serves as an advocacy group for school leaders.

"To be selected by one's peers from such a broad area is quite an accomplishment that speaks to the quality and dedication of these professionals and to the respect that they are afforded within the educational community," said Jerry Block, Oak Park High School's assistant principal.

"Once you step up to being a principal, assistant principal or superintendent . . . those jobs are a big responsibility," said Juanita Suarez, Region 13 past president and director of elementary education for Moorpark Unified School District. "You are now responsible for all of the children and all of the staff. Our intent in recognizing staff is that their leadership does matter."