Josh Epstein and Caroline Anderson will be at the forefront of the La Cañada Unified School District Board of Education as the new president and vice president.
During the Dec. 12 annual organizational meeting, Superintendent Wendy Sinnette gave her thanks to former Board President Joe Radabaugh for his great leadership in the position in preparation for the role change.
“Each year, the close working relationship between the superintendent and the governing board president is incredibly special, this year was no exception,” said Sinnette. “President Radabaugh, thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your community-centric mindset. Thank you for your strategic thinking, your marketing and business insights and your 100% commitment to excellence. Also, for your care and concern for each and every one of our nearly 4,000 students.”
“I admire your determination, your tenacity, your thoughtfulness, and your attention to detail,” she added.
She listed a series of items the Board was able to accomplish this year, including an agreement with the city on pickleball courts, opening a college and career center, and creating long-term strategic domains emphasizing stability and model governance, to name a few.
Radabaugh returned the favor and thanked Sinnette, the cabinet and Board for its support and collaboration.
“My report will be my last as Board president before I hand off the gavel later tonight,” said Radabaugh. “I want to take a moment to thank all of my governing Board peers, Wendy and her cabinet as well as a host of others for their support and collaboration. During this year, it’s been an honor and a pleasure working with so many talented folks on behalf of our students, families and community.”
Coming in and facing COVID, Radabaugh talked about how both he and Sinnette had to thoughtfully navigate important social issues and keep students safe.
Board member terms usually last up to four years, according to Radabaugh, and the next election cycle will take place in November 2024, when Epstein and Anderson will be up for re-election.
In a nomination tradition, each Board member nominated a fellow Board member of their choice to succeed in a new role.
Anderson, who was the former Board clerk, nominated former Board Vice President Epstein for the position of president. Anderson was then nominated for vice president by Board member Dan Jeffries, and Octavia Thuss was nominated as Board clerk by Epstein.
Epstein is excited to start in the new role as Board president for the first time after being elected to the Board in 2020.
“Being the Governing Board president is a great opportunity to work more closely with our superintendent, Wendy Sinnette, and the district staff,” Epstein told the Outlook Valley Sun. “I love getting the chance to witness firsthand some of the unique programs and outstanding people that make our district so special. As president, I hope to be able to spend some time sharing those successes with the community.”
Although he knows there will be challenges ahead as part of the job, he feels ready after learning and observing from previous Board presidents.
“My goals for the district have always been centered around supporting our students and providing them with the best opportunities for success,” Epstein said. “None of that changes for me as Board president, and from a policy perspective, I am just one of five votes on any issue, so I am constantly striving to build consensus and ensure I faithfully represent our community’s interests.”
He is looking forward to connecting even more with the community in his new role.
“As the de facto Board spokesperson, I do think that the role of Board president offers me a chance to connect with a larger portion of the community, and I am always looking for ways to improve the exchange of ideas both on a personal level and in the way we structurally function as a governing body,” he said. “I want to continue the work we are doing to streamline our Board and district communications, and I want to make it easier for the community to connect with us.”
Anderson, as the new Board vice president, is also grateful for the opportunity.
“I look forward to collaborating closely with President Epstein and continuing the initiatives that we started last year including focusing on our four strategic domains,” said Anderson. “My goals are to continue to represent the AANHPI community, and further the cause of strong public education and to be the voice for our students, teachers and families.”
Thuss, who joined the Board in December 2022 celebrated one year on the board and her new role as Board clerk.
“While the clerk has specific duties, I will enthusiastically work with my fellow board members as well as work on ensuring accountability and continuing to build strong relationships between our schools and community,” Thuss said. “I will continue to advocate for all students when considering matters related to their education. I will also advocate for data-driven decision making and support measures that build belongingness within our schools.”
Radabaugh officially handed off the gavel to Epstein to close the meeting and start his new role.
First published in the December 21 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
