Las Virgenes Unified opening with many personnel changes
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers TOP BRASS- The administrators at Las Virgenes Unified School District begin the 2007-08 school year with new personnel and responsibilities. Their positions are, from left: Mary Schillinger, assistant superintendent for educational services; Don Zimring, superintendent; Dan Stepenosky, assistant superintendent of personnel; Jim Nielson, director of secondary education; Susan Curtis, director of pupil services; Rose Dunn, director of elementary education; and Karen Kimmel, chief business official.

Employees at the Las Virgenes Unified School District are playing musical chairs this fall, with several administrators promoted to top cabinet positions and newcomers filling spots left vacant from retirements or promotions.

Officials hope the employee turnover will bring fresh perspectives and innovative programs to the school district.

"It's the life cycle of the district," said Superintendent Donald Zimring of the vast personnel changes this year. "Virtually in every single case it was because of retirement. It's a testimony to the stability and quality of district."

At the district level, starting with top brass, a myriad of positions are now filled. When Zimring moved into the superintendent spot at the beginning of summer, it created a void in the district's business services.

Karen Kimmel, former director of accounting, now fills that role as chief business official.

Appointed as assistant superintendent of education, Mary Schillinger, former director of pupil services, filled the position previously held by Joe Nardo.

"I am very excited about my new position as assistant superintendent for educational services," Schillinger said. "This expands my responsibilities into general education areas as well as special education."

The former director retired from the district after 41 years, but Nardo said he'll stay on board at the district office to help with the transition of so many new employees.

A newcomer to the district office is Susan Curtis, hired as director of pupil services, a position that oversees special education at local schools.

Curtis worked in special education since 1971, and over the past seven years worked as the special education coordinator at the Beverly Hills Unified School District.

"After hearing so many wonderful things about this district over so many years, I'm pleased to be here," Curtis said.

Rose Dunn, former principal at Round Meadow Elementary School in Hidden Hills, won the job of director of elementary education. Ann Eklund previously held the position.

Robbie Amodio, a 15year employee with the district, was promoted to director of classified. Rhonda Bacot was named director of maintenance and operations, and Weleska Cannon was hired as director of child nutrition.

Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Dan Stepenosky also announced Sherry Sonne as the new credential analyst at the district office. He called all the new employees "outstanding educators."

"People who have left the district have left a strong foundation," Zimring said. "And now I have the incredible opportunity to build on that."