After more than 40 years of school board service between both of them, Dolores Didio and Dorothy Beaubien have decided not to seek reelection to the Conejo Valley Unified School District Board of Education.

At press time, six candidates had filed papers to run for the two open seats. The filing deadline was 5 p.m. yesterday.

Previous challengers Jon Anderson, a Newbury Park resident and small business owner, and Peggy Buckles of Thousand Oaks, a former teacher and business woman, are among the list of candidates.

Betsy Connolly, a veterinarian and college instructor, is also running. Connolly served as chair of the district advisory committee for many years.

Other candidates include Dennis Hatland, a teacher; Julie Svitenko, a community volunteer; and Marlon Williams, a driving instructor.

Tim Stephens, the school board's vice president, said he hopes whoever wins the election can work collaboratively with the other trustees.

"They have large shoes to fill," Stephens said of the two candidates who will take office in December. "Hopefully in November, we'll have two people who will step up and try to continue to see the district move down the road to educational excellence."

Didio and Beaubien, who've served on the school board for 25 and 20 years, respectively, will retain their positions on the board—Beaubien as president— until mid-December.

"They have focused totally on what is the best interest of kids," said Superintendent Mario Contini. "They have been very instrumental in bringing great programs to the district and bringing revenue to the district through various programs. They leave a legacy of being critical to the great success that district has enjoyed.

"They will be missed, but their positive impact will live on."

Stephens agreed.

"It's going to be a big loss to lose two people who have delivered in spades to our district," Stephens said. "Both Dolores and Dorothy have been responsible for the excellence of this school board over the last two decades, and they will be sorely missed."

Didio didn't want to comment for the story. Efforts to reach Beaubien went unanswered.

The filing period was to have ended Fri., Aug. 8 but was extended to Aug. 13 because neither of the incumbents decided to run for reelection.

The election is Tues., Nov. 4.