Friday, December 4, 2009
Zack Rosenfeld
Staff Writer
Ellen Rosenberg and Penny Bordokas will be sworn in as new members of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District board on Dec. 9 to replace board president Nancy Hersman and member Joyce Fahey.
“The new board members bring a great deal of educational and professional experience to the board,” board member Amy Howorth said. “It is reassuring to know that we have people on our board who can help guide us through these very difficult financial times.”
Both Rosenberg and Bordokas have financial backgrounds managing the fiscal aspects of educational organizations in Manhattan Beach. Administrators believe this will help the board during the tough budget season ahead.
“Both of the incoming board members have a lot of experience managing finances in the MBEF and PTA, and they will make a great addition to the board,” Principal Julie Ruisinger said.
Bordokas was on the executive board of MBEF two years ago. Her background in finances originates from her career as the CFO of JMG Capital Management.
“I would like better communication with our parents, not so much in newsletters but in getting direct answers to parents and students when questions are asked,” Bordokas said. “Teachers and administrators are overwhelmed, but time needs to be taken to listen to concerns and questions from the student body and parents.”
Rosenberg held several leadership positions in the district. She recently finished her term as MBEF president and has been involved in PTA activity within the elementary and middle schools.
“I would like to start the search for a new superintendent to replace Dr. Bev Roher, who is leaving this June,” Rosenberg said.
Hersman was on the board during the recall of Bill Eisen, the Mira Costa modernization project, and last year’s budget season, in which many cut positions in the district were brought back.
Hersman also hired current superintendent Dr. Beverly Rohrer to replace Dr. Gwen Gross.
“I think the most important accomplishment we made in the past four years was our hiring of Dr. Beverly Rohrer as superintendent. Our district had been going through some difficult times with budget issues. Dr. Rohrer and our board were able to bring some calm back to the district,” Hersman said.
Hersman also strengthened the school district’s relationship with the Southern California Regional Occupational Center during her term. This enabled certain classes including video game design, media arts, and theater management to be added to Mira Costa’s course offerings.
“Ultimately I decided not to run for re-election this year because I feel that I have accomplished enough as president of the board,” Hersman said.
Fahey worked on bringing back many teachers during last year’s budget crisis, including the fight for P.E. specialists in the elementary schools.
Fahey was only on the board for a year, as she replaced recalled board member Bill Eisen in the 2008 special election held for that purpose.
“Unfortunately, I was on the board a relatively short time; however, we did accomplish a great deal in the past year,” Fahey said.
With the absence of Hersman, the board will need to elect a new president in order to continue functioning.
Currently, Ida Vanderpoorte is the vice president and, therefore, could possibly be chosen by the board to replace Hersman as president.
“Once the new board is seated [after they are sworn in], Joyce and I will leave and the new members will be seated. At that time, the new board will elect a new president and clerk. The president will appoint the vice president after the election,” Hersman said.
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