School Board Bids Adieu to Termed-Out Members

Jane Diehl, Todd Loewenstein and Drew Gamet said goodbye to their positions on the Redondo Beach Unified School District Board of Education on March 26.

All three had served the maximum two terms on the school board. They will be replaced by Michael Christensen, Brad Serkin and Brad Waller.

It was a bittersweet moment marked with a few tears for the former members of the school district.  All three outgoing members received plaques, plants and other mementos to commemorate their experience during what many called one of the most difficult budgetary eras for education in California.

During the tenure of Diehl, Loewenstein and Gamet, Measure C passed, the district strengthened its partnership with the Beach Cities Health District, the Redondo Beach Educational Foundaiton was resurrected, membership in the Redondo Beach Parent-Teacher Association increased; President Bill Clinton visited Redondo Union High School; and more.

"What has happened with this district, going from good to great, is extraordinary," Mayor Mike Gin told the trio during the meeting.

"We want to say tonight, thank you," said Monica Joyce of the Redondo Beach Teachers Association. "We know now that you're good people dedicated to our kids."

"For the last eight years, it's been an amazing transformation in our school district," said Polly Kinsinger, who ran against Jane Diehl for the open school board slot 10 years ago.

The new members of the school board also honored Diehl, Loewenstein and Gamet.

Christensen commented on the board's "absolute passion and dedication to the kids": "You leave some big shoes to fill."

See above for photos from Diehl, Loewenstein and Gamet's final meeting.