Longtime Oak Park educator dies





Millie Andress, a longtime high school educator who retired last year from the Oak Park Unified School District, died after suffering a heart attack while in Hawaii on vacation.

Andress, 60, retired from the school district in May 2005 and had relocated to North Carolina.

“I’m so sorry because she was really enjoying life,” said Jan Iceland, a board member who was close to Andress and had recently visited her in North Carolina. “She was a wonderful administrator with a heart of gold.”

Andress’ career spanned 37 years and included working in the Conejo Valley Unified School District as well.

Andress joined the school district in 1996 as principal of Oak Park High School. She later became director of alternative education and principal of Oak View and Oak Park Independent high schools. She is credited with helping many at-risk teens.

“Millie was one of those very open and honest people. You knew she cared,” said Cliff Moore, the district’s assistant superintendent for human resources.

Before coming to Oak Park, Andress worked in high schools in Thousand Oaks. She served in various roles including teacher, counselor and assistant principal.

A memorial service is planned in coming weeks, Moore said. Andress, who had never married, had no children. An autopsy is expected to determine the exact cause of her death.

A scholarship fund for Oak View students is being created in memory of Andress. Donations may be made to the Community Foundation for Oak Park, OPUSD, 5801 E. Conifer St., Oak Park, CA 91377, to the attention of Superintendent Tony Knight.

Note on checks that donations are for the Millie Andress Scholarship Fund. For more information, call 735-3200.

–Sophia Fischer


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