Schulz stepping down after 8 years on school board
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

Pat Schulz

After eight years of service to the Las Virgenes Unified School District's Board of Education, Pat Schulz announced she will not run for reelection in November.

"It's just time," Schulz said. "It has been a rewarding experience; however, I never intended to do this indefinitely."

During her two terms in office Schulz became an instrument of change on many educational fronts. She worked to open alternative education opportunities in the district, and was president of the Ventura County School Boards Association. She was a member of the commission on High Schools for the 21st Century, which illuminated the need for high school education to evolve and meet the demands of a diverse global economy and workplace.

Schulz will leave the district in December.

She and other board members recently approved a $97.6-million budget- the district's largest ever. The new Yerba Buena Elementary School opened in April, and Schulz and other board members put bond measure money to work in new programs and technology.

The district recently cemented a technology partnership with the cities it serves, which will help the district in meeting the goals of the high school commission report.

"It was exciting watching that commission, doing the work and (seeing) it unfold," Schulz said.

After studying how highachieving schools deliver education to students, she realized the Las Virgenes board was already moving in the same direction.

Fellow board members complimented her work and dedication.

"Eight years ago, Pat and I began our journey in public education governance when we first ran for the Board of Education, and I can honestly say that working with her has been a complete pleasure," said board President Terilyn Finders. "Over the years, I have found her greatest strength to be that she is emotionally connected to her work, yet she is an objective decision-maker."

Board member Cindy Iser said she will miss Schulz as a "trusted, compassionate and knowledgeable colleague."

"Mrs. Schulz has always brought a laser-sharp focus on how issues would affect the students, and has always worked to ensure that this (is) the driving force behind decision-making in the district," board member Dave Moorman said.

"She is a consummate professional and our entire community has benefited greatly from her selfless commitment to service on our board of education," Moorman said.

Although board membership is designed to be a part-time job, Schulz was known for throwing her heart and soul into projects.

"Being a member of the school board is a very full-time part-time job," Schulz said. "It's been a great experience, and it has been very gratifying contributing to governing the school district. It really was an honor to be elected by the community and an honor to serve the community's children. That's really why I did it."

Schulz, 59, expects to remain busy after she steps down from the board. She said she will tackle a home remodeling project and attend to personal matters that have been put on the back burner due to the demands of her board responsibilities.

"Volunteering and public service have been a major part of my adult life, so I expect new adventures await," Schulz said.