Let's keep Phelps and Stephens on the board

I want to publicly add my support for the two incumbent school board members, Pat Phelps and Tim Stephens, in their bid for reelection this November.

The strength that these two board members have shown in keeping their positive attitude in the face of negativity of the last two years is nothing short of amazing. This is exactly the quality you would expect of people in a leadership position.

Through discord these board members persevered in holding the education of our students and maintenance of our schools as their foremost goals. Even if one was to focus on numbers alone, through the board's governance of Conejo Valley Unified School District has maintained the level of education expected by parents.

Not to say the negativity hasn't caused problems--there has been damage.

It is too easy to pick apart individual issues and lose sight of the real goal. It is a disservice to characterize board members and Conejo teachers as the "big bad union and their bosses" as a diversion tactic to drive a personal agenda. These people are educators, community leaders and parents. The governor tried that last year when he disparaged teachers, nurses and firefighters and learned a lesson from California voters.

I also agree with the Conejo Valley teachers, counselors, psychologists and school workers who recommend John Short for the board. John has shown himself to be a dedicated community leader and volunteer.

Along with the two incumbents Phelps and Stephens, and the rest of the current sitting board, CVUSD will be able to maintain the excellence that helped build this community. Bruce McCandless Thousand Oaks