Board seeks Finders replacement

Dave Moorman The Las Virgenes Unified School District Board of Education said goodbye to longtime member Terilyn Finders during the group's annual reorganization meeting Tues., Dec. 9.

Finders—who resigned from her post two years before her term expired to accept a communications job with a law firm—received an emotional goodbye from colleagues, school adiminstrators, teachers and friends.

The board ruled out the possibility of spending approximately $100,000 on a special election to replace Finders, and decided to invite residents to apply for the position. The board's decision on a replacement is expected by Jan. 20. Boardmembers Cind Iser and Jill Gaines will head the selection committee.

"Change, when it isn't something you seek, it can be disruptive," Finders said of her decision to leave the board mid-term.

The highlight of the sendoff was a song and dance routine performed by elementary school teachers, who rewrote the lyrics to James Taylor classic "Sweet Caroline." Yerba Buena Principal Brent Noyes led the song, "Sweet Terilyn," while other principals danced and sang along.

At the meeting, Iser relinquished her president's gavel to incoming president Dave Moorman. Gordon Whitehead accepted the post of vice president and Gaines agreed to serve as the board's clerk.

Iser said her term as president had been challenge and a "time for personal growth." Local leaders expressed gratitude to Iser for dedication and hard work.

Moorman said Iser always found the simplest solutions to complex problems.

"She was pragmatic but always compassionate," Moorman said. As a "true leader," many of her contributions to the district took place "behind the scenes," he said.

Moorman delivered a state of education address. The worsening state budget crisis coupled with the nation's deepening recession could result in $31,500 in funding cuts per classroom throughout the state, or even a shortening of the school year in which "no one gets paid and no child gets taught," he said.