Didio seeking sixth term on school board
By Michelle Knight
knight@theacorn.com

Dolores Didio

Dolores Didio is no stranger to Conejo Valley education. She was a teacher here for 18 years and has spent the last 20 years on the school board.

Didio, a candidate for Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) Board of Education, said she’s accomplished much to be proud of.

Recognizing the need for a slower transition from elementary to high school, Didio helped change the district from an intermediate (seventh and eighth grades) to a middle school system (grades sixth through eighth) because she believed a slower transition from elementary school to high school was in the students’ best interest.

She also advocated before- and after-school child care at district schools.

Teachers told Didio that the on-campus childcare gives children a smoother transition to kindergarten and eases the concerns of working parents regarding transportation.

Didio also is a staunch advocate of the district’s school-to-career program that introduces high school students to a variety of technical and vocational careers.

Despite a lack of government funding, Didio said the program could be expanded—offering more student internships, for example—by working with local businesses and keeping costs to a minimum.

She said CVUSD is moving in the right direction as evidenced by the district’s strong academic performance on state tests, the large number of parents involved in school projects, and the willingness of businesses to participate in school programs.

Some people have criticized Didio for having the endorsement of the Unified Association of Conejo Teachers. Critics argue that retired teachers on the school board have a personal interest in union benefits and are in danger of sacrificing taxpayers’ interests for the interests of teachers.

"That has never been true, as far as I know," Didio said.

"My only agenda is to provide the best education for all our students," she said. " . . . You look out for the kids . . . and whatever is fiscally responsible. That’s what you do."

Didio and her husband, Vincent, have four children. Their granddaughter will begin attending a CVUSD school next year.