Finders leaves school board

Terilyn Finders Terilyn Finders announced her resignation from the Las Virgenes Unified School District Board of Education on Nov. 18, prompting an outpouring of support and the hope from her colleagues that she might continue her service to the education community.

Finders said she accepted the position of director of communications with Fagen, Friedman & Fulfrost LLP in Los Angeles, a law firm that represents school districts throughout the state. Since Las Virgenes is one of the firm's clients, her post on the school board would present a conflict of interest, she said.

"The nation has made it clear that public education is the platform on which democracy stands," Finders said. "If we care about democracy, corporate leaders have to say what role they play in supporting the system. She said the firm is asking "the right, moral questions."

The school board could appoint a replacement to serve the remaining two years on Finders' term, or it could function as a four-member board until the next election.

Finders has been a leader on the school board since 1999 and during her first four-year term in office she helped bridge fractured labor relations between the district and the teachers union.

"Teacher leaders and the administration are truly collaborative," Finders said. "It's all about the classroom. . . . The classroom is the football field; the classroom is the band room, the playground—everywhere children are learning socially and academically."

Finders was instrumental in forging a historic technology partnership between the district and the cities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills and Westlake Village. Together the cities contributed $600,000 to support the districtwide technology plan. Finders likened the ddened over Findprocess to "turning a battleship in

the bathtub without scuffing the sides."

With special education always a focus, Finders led an effort to establish California's first autism information and training center. The program ensures that schools are able to train teachers and other education professionals to provide services to children who've been diagnosed with the learning disorder.

"(Finders) has been a champion of children and has become one of the most knowledgeable elected officials in the state on the issues of autism in our schools," said Superintendent Donald Zimring. "She has truly been an asset to our schools and administration in helping develop innovative strategies addressing a myriad of instructional issues ranging from fine arts to technology. She will be sorely missed."

Board member Dave Moorman said Finders "really listens to people" and that her efforts to improve the district's special education program changed the district from "one where providing quality service was a struggle, to a model district where special education is a positive partnership between the district and parents."

Finders also advocated for more flexible learning opportunities for students. She approved policies that allowed students to take college classes for extra credit.

Agoura Hills Mayor John Edelston and board member Gordon Whitehead believe Finders should one day play a role in city government.

"I will be looking for opportunities to draw her back into helping our city," Edelston said. "All who have had the benefit of her experience and expertise know just how good Terilyn Finders is."

Whitehead said Finders is a "joy to work with," and "brings a wide mix of business and educational background that blends together in a truly remarkable leader. I'm happy for her, but kind of sad for us," Edelston said.

Board President Cindy Iser said Finders has been "incredibly dedicated to our students and community," and always advocating for more effective ways to provide good education.

"I will miss the camaraderie and good times we have shared," Iser said.

Board member Jill Gaines said Finders "has a talent to analyze situations and ask the difficult questions while always being sensitive to everyone's needs."

Finders, whose last school board meeting will be Dec. 9, credited her work with the local board of education in helping her prepare for her new position.

"I underscore my thanks with a promise to work with diligence and dedication to assist districts statewide to build legally compliant, studentcentered 21st century education programs and services," she said.