School Board President Won’t Seek Reelection
The board president of the Bonita Unified School District has withdrawn as a candidate for reelection in November, citing fundamental differences with other board members and school officials over alleged secrecy about district actions.
In a statement, Robert Olander II said he decided not to seek reelection to the school board serving La Verne and San Dimas after it became apparent things wouldn’t change in a second term. “At the core of the problem is the secrecy that enshrouds the district,” he said. “Withholding information from the public is the norm.”
School board member Robin Carder rejected the secrecy charge and said Olander knew he would lose his seat in the election. “He was meant to be a spokesperson for the board, not to be a spokesperson for himself.”
Olander said the problem began last year when the district placed its former superintendent on leave without telling the public the reason. The superintendent was later fired. In April, Olander said he tried to release an audit of district bidding; as a result two of the five board members demanded his resignation.
Board member Elizabeth Yost had earlier decided not to seek reelection. Four candidates remain in the Nov. 4 race for the two seats.
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