As previously reported in Patch, there are five candidates currently running for three seats on the Las Virgenes Unified School District school board: Lesli Stein, the incumbent, Angela Cutbill, Dallas Lawrence, Mary Jo Ammon and Ray Pearl.
Patch has sent out a questionnaire* to each of the candidates, and we will be reporting on their individual responses.
We profile Angela Cutbill, who has lived in both Calabasas and Agoura Hills with husband David. All three of her children, two sons and a daughter, attended LVUSD schools since Kindergarten.
Patch: Can you tell us a little bit about your background and why you think you are qualified for the position?
Angela Cutbill: I have been involved in the local schools for 17 years, 12 of the last 13 years as PFA President at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Additionally, I have served on numerous school and district committees, including site council, construction projects at Yerba Buena Elementary and Lindero Canyon Middle Schools, budget committees and other site-related programs. I have first-hand knowledge of how our district works at all the various levels and the collaboration required to make things happen and improve.
Patch: Why are you running for school board?
Cutbill: I am running for school board, because I want to ensure we remain one of the top performing districts in the state of California. I have a strong record of experience and involvement at both the school site and district level; I am passionate about contributing to our community and making a difference in our schools, and now I would like to continue that involvement as a board member. I am a parent of three children who have come through Las Virgenes schools and I have the time that the office requires to focus and work effectively. I will bring my demonstrated dedication and energy to all parts of LVUSD: students, parents, teachers, staff, local cities, and the residents of these communities.
Patch: What's the first thing you would like to do if elected to the board?
Cutbill: My goals are to maintain the high quality of education in our district in an increasingly challenging economic climate, utilize funds in order to maximize their impact, take advantage of changing technologies to provide the best education possible for students, and maintain good relations with the wider LVUSD communities. This means thinking about new and exciting ways that can build on our success and our people, making the most of what we have, and turning problems into opportunities.
Patch: What do you think of the job the current board has done?
Cutbill: Our present board has been successful because they are thoughtful, responsive and collaborative. Each board faces different challenges at different times; they have been tasked with difficult, important and strategic decisions that needed to be made. I look forward to working with those that are there now, building on the decisions they’ve already made, and collaborating with them on new challenges for the future.
Patch: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Cutbill: I believe that my professional training and work experience taught me how to listen, collaborate and think strategically–all necessary skills for a Board member. Just as important, my long experience at the site and district level, as well as deep roots in the community, gives me a good understanding of both how our district works and inside knowledge of the people and relationships involved.
Patch has sent out a questionnaire* to each of the candidates, and we will be reporting on their individual responses.
We profile Angela Cutbill, who has lived in both Calabasas and Agoura Hills with husband David. All three of her children, two sons and a daughter, attended LVUSD schools since Kindergarten.
Patch: Can you tell us a little bit about your background and why you think you are qualified for the position?
Angela Cutbill: I have been involved in the local schools for 17 years, 12 of the last 13 years as PFA President at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Additionally, I have served on numerous school and district committees, including site council, construction projects at Yerba Buena Elementary and Lindero Canyon Middle Schools, budget committees and other site-related programs. I have first-hand knowledge of how our district works at all the various levels and the collaboration required to make things happen and improve.
Patch: Why are you running for school board?
Cutbill: I am running for school board, because I want to ensure we remain one of the top performing districts in the state of California. I have a strong record of experience and involvement at both the school site and district level; I am passionate about contributing to our community and making a difference in our schools, and now I would like to continue that involvement as a board member. I am a parent of three children who have come through Las Virgenes schools and I have the time that the office requires to focus and work effectively. I will bring my demonstrated dedication and energy to all parts of LVUSD: students, parents, teachers, staff, local cities, and the residents of these communities.
Patch: What's the first thing you would like to do if elected to the board?
Cutbill: My goals are to maintain the high quality of education in our district in an increasingly challenging economic climate, utilize funds in order to maximize their impact, take advantage of changing technologies to provide the best education possible for students, and maintain good relations with the wider LVUSD communities. This means thinking about new and exciting ways that can build on our success and our people, making the most of what we have, and turning problems into opportunities.
Patch: What do you think of the job the current board has done?
Cutbill: Our present board has been successful because they are thoughtful, responsive and collaborative. Each board faces different challenges at different times; they have been tasked with difficult, important and strategic decisions that needed to be made. I look forward to working with those that are there now, building on the decisions they’ve already made, and collaborating with them on new challenges for the future.
Patch: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Cutbill: I believe that my professional training and work experience taught me how to listen, collaborate and think strategically–all necessary skills for a Board member. Just as important, my long experience at the site and district level, as well as deep roots in the community, gives me a good understanding of both how our district works and inside knowledge of the people and relationships involved.
I can hit the ground running, because I have already established, through experience not research, good relationships with the present Board, staff, parents and community. The combination of my professional background coupled with my demonstrated experience here in the district, means I can work effectively with the other board members towards the future.
*Some of the responses may have been edited for clarity and brevity.
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