First published in the Nov. 3 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
A lot has been written here about Octavia Thuss, focusing on her experience, dedication and work ethic. I second those sentiments, but what I’d like to focus on in this letter is Octavia’s temperament. I believe she is beautifully suited to serve on the LCUSD Governing Board because of her unique combination of curiosity, analytical thinking, openness and ability to connect with and teach others.
Board members must ingest and digest mountains of information. Octavia isn’t intimidated by digging into data or research. Her willingness to do the homework is mirrored by a curiosity about and sensitivity to others’ perspectives. She is unafraid to ask questions and learn from others. Not only is she an excellent information gatherer, but she also is capable of synthesizing all of it into a coherent whole and then communicating it to others with patience, compassion and grace. Ever since meeting Octavia, I have known her to ask lots of questions, show great interest in learning more, and take care to speak thoughtfully and measuredly about any range of topics.
We need board members who can get down in the weeds when it comes to the issues facing our schools. We need them to educate themselves, ask questions and take feedback, and then clearly and respectfully communicate their decisions back out to the community. I have no doubt that Octavia will do all of those things if she is elected.
I wholeheartedly support Octavia Thuss for School Board, and I hope you will, too.
Melissa Mazin
La Cañada Flintridge
