School district bids farewell to two trustees

The Laguna Beach Unified School District sent off trustees Betsy Jenkins and Theresa O’Hare in style at Tuesday’s board meeting, with cake, cookies, flowers and plenty of appreciation.

The last meeting for Jenkins and O’Hare began with board colleagues, district administrators and family members commending both women for their tireless service and dedication to students.

Jenkins and O’Hare did not seek reelection this year, citing their willingness to move on after serving on the board for 12 years and eight, respectively.

Voters elected incumbent Ketta Brown to another four-year term with newcomers Dee Perry and Carol Normandin. The three women will join current President Jan Vickers and Trustee William Landsiedel at the first meeting in December.

Landsiedel, elected in 2012, said being on the school board is like a full-time job.

Jenkins and O’Hare, both mothers of full-grown children, have invested thousands of hours in the district, whether volunteering in their children’s classrooms, participating in Parent Teacher Assn. meetings or getting involved in arts and music programs.

“Imagine an 18-year job at 40 hours a week with no pay,” Landsiedel said.

In addition to the school board meetings, trustees attend committee meetings, open houses and other special events.

“If you added the hours, it would be shocking,” Landsiedel said.

Jenkins said her time on the school board was her most significant contribution.

“In the last two weeks, there have been so many lasts, the last PTA Council meeting, the last [Top of the World Elementary] PTA meeting,” Jenkins said. “It’s been really bittersweet. I’m happy in one sense, but also very sad. I did a lot of volunteer work before I became involved with the school board, and that will continue.”

O’Hare said all the hours spent reading staff reports, attending meetings and campaigning were worth it.

“Running for office is not fun,” O’Hare said. “The fun thing is when you get the job and see you are making a difference.”

O’Hare deflected the compliments, reserving kind words for district staff members, who she said are under the public’s watch and, no matter what happens, have the right motives, O’Hare said.

“All of you, our staff and teachers, you sign up and the career path is to be with kids, to educate children, and I had the pleasure of seeing that day in and day out,” she said. “That has been my honor: seeing you do what you do and do it all so well.

Vickers said the district is stronger both financially and academically from the oversight of Jenkins and O’Hare.

“They were always prepared, and I have served with other members whom I would not be able to say that about,” Vickers said. “I think it’s part of the celebration for both Betsy and Theresa that they made the choice [not to run for school board] and they can go out with much happiness.”