Fox Quits as Castaic School District Trustee : Education: It is the second resignation in two months. He says he has moved his family to Valencia.

CASTAIC — Bruce Fox announced his resignation Friday from the Castaic Union School District, becoming the second trustee to step down from the board in two months.

Fox, 29, who is serving as school board president this year, said he quit the post because he has moved from Castaic and into Santa Clarita’s Valencia community. Government codes require trustees to live in the school district they serve.

“Even though there are probably loopholes that would let me stay on the board, I just don’t think that’s right or proper,” Fox said.

Fox said his family moved to better raise their newborn son by being closer to their in-laws. He has been living in Valencia for about three weeks.

“My wife and I had long debates about whether we were going to live in the district where I serve or move to be with the family,” said Fox, a police officer. “Family has to be No. 1.”

Trustee Jane Pederson resigned from the Castaic district board Oct. 18, two months before her term was to have expired and with no clear explanation.

Fox was elected in November, 1991, and had two years remaining in his term. In announcing his resignation, he mentioned the departure of Pederson and business manager Jim Bauler in August as evidence of the “tumultuous year” the district has experienced.

“I think Bruce, in his time, was a very stabilizing influence,” Supt. Scott Brown said. “Certainly, we’re going to lose a thoughtful person who showed himself time and time again to be very prepared.”

The board upheaval was intensified by the November election race. A slate of candidates led by then-trustee Gloria Mercado strongly criticized the administration for poor test scores, the need to better maintain school buses and Brown’s use of a district credit card for personal items he later repaid.

Fox and other school officials said the district is settling down, however, with the hiring of a new business manager and the election of incumbent Irene Massey and newcomers Dirk Gosda and Nora Emmons, who are more supportive of the administration.

“I’m doing this (leaving) with some reservation, but I think things are looking forward,” Fox said.

The district’s credit card was cut up at the board’s Dec. 8 meeting, and an independent management audit has been tabled until March. That session proved to be Fox’s final meeting, and his only opportunity to serve as board president.

Fox said he is proud of the district’s successful efforts to obtain a new middle school, and offered some parting advice to whoever replaces him.

“Be honest with yourself,” Fox said. “Remember why you’re there--you’re there for the children.”

Trustees have 60 days to fill the vacant position either by holding a special election or appointing a new member. School boards often fill a vacancy by appointment to avoid the expense of a special election.

Brown estimated a special election would cost the district $15,000 to $20,000.