Reynolds won’t return to board
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Josh Kleinbaum
When Meredith Reynolds sat on the stage recently during La Canada
High School’s graduation, one thought kept recurring: When she was
first elected to the La Canada Unified School District’s governing
board, these graduates were in first grade.
Twelve years later, Reynolds decided she has done enough.
“I’ve been on the school board for three terms, and I think it’s a
good time for some new, fresh blood,” Reynolds said. “We all like to
think that we can’t be replaced, but you know what? It’s pretty
easy.”
Two of the five seats are up for grabs on Nov. 4, when the board
holds its election. Virginia Dalbeck, whose term will also be up,
told other members of the board that she plans to run for reelection.
“Jinny [Dalbeck] gives a long continuum of service,” board member
Andy Beattie said. “I certainly hope she is reelected to what will be
her third term. I find her to be a real strong asset to the board and
the community.”
Dalbeck did not return calls for comment.
The election comes during a critical time for the district, which
is trying to survive tight economic conditions without sacrificing
its quality of education.
Due to the state budget crisis, the district has cut nearly $2
million from its budget in the past year. The board is trying to
raise funds to roll back those cuts, and is in the middle of a
fund-raising drive called Help 464, which asks families to donate
$464 for each child in the school system. But the board is also
discussing potential long-term financial solutions, such as a parcel
tax or a bond issue. The next board is expected to vote on those
solutions.
“I would expect those to be campaign talking points, and I would
expect candidates to be asked their positions on long-range financing
options,” said Scott Tracy, the school board’s president. “We want
the community to be talking about it and becoming involved.”
Candidates for the school board must file their intention to run
with the county registrar’s office between July 14 and Aug. 8.