Schulz named Las Virgenes school board replacement

Pat Schulz The competition was stiff, but experience mattered most when the Las Virgenes Unified School District Board of Education chose Pat Schulz to rejoin the panel and temporarily fill the spot left vacant by Terilyn Finders.

Schulz was twice elected to the school board and retired in 2007 after eight years of service.

Finders resigned from the board in December. She accepted a job with a Los Angeles law firm that works with school districts throughout the state and the arrangement might have posed a conflict of interest for Finders.

With only half of Finders' four-year term complete, the board chose to cull the talents of the community rather than run a costly election today. Who fills the remaining two years of Finders' four-year term will be put to the vote this November.

Eleven qualified community members vied for the position through written statements and public interviews. Attorneys, business executives, local government officials and dedicated school volunteers wanted the job, and most declared they would run for election in November when the interim term is over.

Schulz sent the board a letter outlining her willingness to return, but not run for election.

"Given the dire state budget situation, I know there are many issues before the board," Schulz said. "I hope my willingness to fill the vacancy will resolve one."

Boardmember Gordon Whitehead said, "This is easily the most difficult year we've ever experienced. That speaks to the need for experience."

Boardmember Jill Gaines said Schulz was the best choice for the job since she "could hit the ground running."

Board President Dave Moorman said since Schulz had pledged not to run for election in November, the other candidates would have a "clear playing field."

"Choosing Pat Schulz at this time makes the most sense, not just for the community but for the candidates," Moorman said.

Boardmember Cindy Iser supported Diane Combes, a Bell Canyon resident and retail executive. She said a new person would bring "fresh eyes" to the budget discussion.

"New people ask new questions," Iser said. Nevertheless, Iser and the board voted unanimously for Schulz to rejoin the panel.

"I am pleased to offer my service to the district once again," Schulz said.