School Board Welcomes New Members

By Lynne Bronstein

Observer Reporter

Anne Allaire Burke and Kelly Kent, the two newly-elected members of the Culver City Board of Education, were sworn in at the Board's December 8 meeting, which also marked what was probably the last meeting held at the CCUSD's District Office.

(Future meetings are scheduled to be held at the Mike Balkman Chambers of the City Hall).

The small meeting room at the District Office was crowded to the point of standees, as teachers, parents, and city workers, including City Council member Jim Clarke, came to see the new members seated.

Burke and Kent were taking the seats vacated by Nancy Goldberg and Laura Chardiet.

Burke had run for School Board as part of a team with Scott McVarish, who did not win a seat. She is a parent education counselor.

Kent, who ran independently, holds a doctorate in neuroscience from USC and serves on the Culver City Parks and Recreation Commission.

The swearing-in was the first order of business at the regular meeting, with Superintendent David LaRose administering the oath first to Kelly and then to Burke. Afterward, both women posed for photos with their families.

The swearing-in was followed by a brief Governing Board Organizational meeting for election of officers.

Board member Steve Levin was unanimously chosen as President of the Board, succeeding retiring board member Nancy Goldberg.

Kathy Paspalis was chosen as Vice President and was also asked by Levin to serve as parliamentarian after a query as to who would like to be parliamentarian went unanswered.

The Board also greeted newly appointed Elsy Villafranca as assistant principal of Culver City Middle School.

Students cheered and held up a banner welcoming "Elsy" as a new member of the "Panther" team.