LV school board reorganizes, Pat Schulz receives a farewell
Newcomer Gaines sworn into office
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

The Las Virgenes Unified School District Board of Education bid farewell to school board member Pat Schulz Tuesday, and welcomed Jill Gaines as the newest member of the panel.

Superintendent Donald Zimring said that during Schulz's eight years on the board she attended 314 meetings, an estimated 350 school or districtrelated events, and had donated 2,149 hours of service to children and the community.

Zimring commended Schulz's "quiet leadership" style, and called her a "model board member."

Louise Rishoff, representing Sen. Sheila Kuehl and Assemblymember Julia Brownley, said Schulz's desire to serve was always driven by the needs of the children.

Agoura Hills City Councilmember Dan Kuperberg asked Schulz to run for City Council one day. "I know she will stay involved; I just don't know how," Kuperberg said.

Calabasas Mayor James Bozajian called Schulz a friend to his city.

Calabasas Mayor Pro Tem Maurer said, "My everlasting memory of you is your kindness, which you showed all the time."

Philippa Klessig, Westlake Village mayor, said Schulz was a "model to follow."

You do your homework and study all points of views," School Board President Terilyn Finders told the departing school board member. "You are emotionally engaged, yet made objective, reasoned decisions. I've loved my journey with you."

To mark the occasion, Agoura High School senior Allen Shing played a moving rendition of "Farewell" on guitar.

"I'm truly humbled by all the kind words," Schulz said. She commended the school district for its dedication to a "culture of continual improvement."

Following the ceremony for Schulz, the school board reorganized and Finders took the oath of office for her third time, while Gaines was sworn in for her first term.

California Superior Court Judge Michael Harwin issued the oath of office.

The reorganization puts board member Cindy Iser in the president's seat. Dave Moorman is the new vice president, and board member Gordon Whitehead will continue his role as clerk. Finders and Gaines were seated as general board members.