Conejo versus Las Virgenes


High-performing school districts have a diverse group of stakeholders participating in developing new curriculum and modifying existing curriculum. I believe that school board members should be a part of the process of adopting/ modifying curriculum because, at the end of the day, it’s the elected trustees who are ultimately held responsible for the success and failures of local schools.

It’s the job of trustees to represent the public who elected them. The school board should represent the voice of the community. This is a responsibility, and an honor that I would take very seriously.

Since 2009, the Las Virgenes Unified School District has had an official curriculum council comprised of teachers, administrators, special-education experts, athletic administrators, students, media representatives and community members.

The concept of including parents and a diverse group of stakeholders in curriculum development might be new to the CVUSD, but it’s a proven process that seems to have served the Las Virgenes students and community well for over a decade. Details of this policy are easily accessible on the internet.

Teachers, administrators, staff, community members, students, parents and trustees should be involved in curriculum development throughout a transparent process.

This inclusive approach will help our school board better make informed decisions, and to ensure that what our children are learning is in compliance with not only education codes, state standards and curriculum frameworks, but also reflective of district dynamics, district focus areas, site-based goals and community input.

I support a policy being vetted like the curriculum council for our CVUSD. It seems to me that such a policy would help eliminate conflict, and ultimately improve student enrollment.

Angie Simpson
Westlake Village

Simpson has announced her intent to run for a seat on the Conejo Valley school board.