School Trustee Harriman to Resign

Ventura school board member Diane Harriman has announced she will resign on Jan. 28 because of family and personal commitments.

The 68-year-old retired high school English teacher was first elected to the board of the Ventura Unified School District in November 1991 and reelected four years later.

In a letter scheduled to be read at Tuesday’s board meeting, Harriman thanks teachers, administrators and others for their support over the years.

“I have given it serious consideration and have decided that it would be in my and my family’s best interest if I were to resign,” wrote Harriman, who retired from Buena High School in 1991.

Overall, she had more than 30 years of teaching experience, and after retirement volunteered as a reading tutor in local elementary schools.

District Supt. Joseph Spirito said board members will discuss Tuesday how to fill the remaining 21 months of Harriman’s four-year term.

He said the board very likely will choose to appoint someone rather than hold a special election.

“She’s been wonderful,” Spirito said of Harriman.

“She always allowed me to administrate without interference. She will be missed.”