SRVUSD Educators Recognized For Outstanding Service in Contra Costa County

PLEASANT HILL, CA- More than 20 county residents were recognized for outstanding service as trustees from their respective school districts and education agencies this week by the Contra Costa County School Boards Association.

Among the governing board members recognized by the organization for years of service were San Ramon Valley Unified School District employees:

• Denise Jennison for 5 years of service
• Greg Marvel for 15 years of service
• Ken Mintz for 10 years of service

Other recognitions included:

• Susie Epstein (5 years) and Cathy Coppersmith (15 years) of the Acalanes Union High School District
• Karen Pickett (5 years), Jefe Bernard (10 years), and Jim Smith (20 years) of the Canyon School District
• Art Kapoor (5 years), David Gerson (5 years) and Teresa Gerringer (15 years) of the Lafayette School District
• Matt Moran (5 years) and Julie Rossiter (5 years) of the Orinda School District
• Catherine Pena (15 years) of the Walnut Creek School District
• Bobbi Horack (5 years), Denise Elsken (15 years) and Kathi McLaughlin (15 years) of the Martinez Unified School District
• John Marquez (5 years) and John T. Nejedly, Jr. (20 years) of the Contra Costa Community College Board
• Pamela Mirabella (25 years) and Daniel Gomes (15 years) of the Contra Costa County Board of Education

“School Board Members are at the heart of every community,” said Christine Deane, President of the Contra Costa County Board of Education said in a press release. “School programs in Contra Costa County are outstanding, largely because our communities elect well-informed, dedicated, and student-focused trustees who oversee budgets, programs, and policies. These are oftentimes thankless jobs, but they need to be recognized for the great work they do.”

The association is also encouraging parents and community members to become engaged in their local school district’s Local Control Accountability Plan process (LCAP). The Local Control Accountability Plan is a critical part of the new Local Control Funding Formula, which defines how public schools are funded in California.

Each school district and county office of education must engage parents, educators, employees, and the community to establish these plans. The plans describe each district’s overall vision for students, annual goals, and specific actions the district will take to achieve the vision and goals.

“We encourage all parents and community members to become actively engaged in their local LCAP process and affirm the job their local board members are doing to help shape the future of education in their communities,” said Deane.

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