OXNARD : New Board President Wants Tensions Eased

Longtime schoolteacher Jim Suter became the new president of the Oxnard School District’s board of trustees Wednesday night and promised to end racial tensions on the board.

“My goal is to bring us all back to the table working as a team,” Suter said Wednesday. “We need to get our problems out of the way so we can spend our energy focusing on the kids.”

In recent months, board members have complained publicly about other members failing to treat them with respect. Suter urged the trustees Wednesday to accept the help of a facilitator to mend personal relationships.

In spite of the recent personality clashes, outgoing board President Mary Barreto said she was proud of the board’s accomplishments over the past year.

“There were good things like Healthy Start program, the dedication of the Cesar Chavez School, the breakfast program, and our progress toward opening the new schools,” Barreto said. “I think we had a good year, and I think there will be nothing but improvements for us next year because all of our disagreements are out in the open.”

About 50 Barreto supporters attended the meeting, presenting her with flowers and plaques in appreciation of her year as board president. “I know that it hasn’t been very easy for you,” said Sean Salinas, an Oxnard resident. “But in passing the gavel, I want you to ask yourself, ‘Was it all worth it?’ And in answering, I want you to know, that we all agree, ‘Yes, it really was worth it.’ ”

Suter assumed the board presidency as part of the elected body’s normal yearly rotation of the post.

The president leads board meetings and acts as the board’s spokesperson.