Laifman named to Oak Park school board
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

Barbara and Jay Laifman

Her oneyear term doesn't begin until Dec. 11, but Barbara Laifman, the newest Oak Park School Board member, already has ideas and goals in place.

Laifman was chosen by the school board last week to replace longtime member Jim Kalember, who resigned to teach in Arizona. Laifman will serve the remaining year of Kalember's term, after which time the four-year seat will be up for election. Laifman, 42, already thinks she would like to run.

"It's a great opportunity, a good way for me to get involved," Laifman said.

In the meantime, she is concerned about stress and pressure placed on children today. She says kids need to understand that making mistakes is part of learning. Handson education and the development of independent and creative thinkers are two components of classroom learning that are important to Laifman.

"Oak Park is a rare blend of extremely high quality education with a tight-knit community," Laifman said. "I hope I can be a strong asset to continue this and strengthen it for the future."

The biggest challenge facing the district is lack of funding and declining enrollment, according to Laifman. She says residents with or without children in school need to be aware of these important issues facing the district.

"Communication is a two-way street," Laifman said. "A thorough understanding of the issues will serve to better not only the schools but the community as a whole."

Laifman was chosen from a field of 12 candidates. In choosing a candidate, the board sought "balance," Board President Mari Panec said.

"Each of us on the board has particular strengths and we were looking for other strengths," Panec said. "I cannot think of another community that would have this many people willing to serve as volunteers for the betterment of the entire community."

"I appreciate her interest and commitment to handson and authentic learning and her desire to help us do a better job telling the world how amazing our schools are," OPUSD Superintendent Tony Knight said.

Laifman earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Michigan, then attended law school at USC. She practiced law for two years at a Beverly Hills firm before deciding to become a full-time mother.

Laifman and her family moved to Oak Park from West Los Angeles 10 years ago to be closer to her husband's job. Like many residents of Oak Park, the Laifmans chose the community for its excellent school system.

"I believe that besides love and security, education is one of the most important things parents should give their children," Laifman said. "It is the core of who they become and the community has an obligation to provide that quality education."

Laifman has three children. Bridget, 13, is in eighth grade at Medea Creek Middle School. Two sons are at Oak Hills Elementary- Eric, 10, is in fifth grade and Jonathan, 7, is in second grade.

Laifman has edited the Oak Hills Parent Teacher Association newsletter for five years.

Oak Hills Principal Leslie Heilbron calls Laifman "a wonderful asset."

"She is professional in all her contacts and very much a team player," Heilbron said. "Barbara is a true champion of children and I think she would be a great addition to the school board."