IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers NEW BLOOD—Incoming school board member Jeanne Davis is sworn in while fellow newcomer Eric Lundstrom awaits his turn. The Simi Valley Unified School District Board of Education saw a changing of the guard this week as Carla Kurachi and Greg Stratton officially stepped down from their posts, and Eric Lundstrom and Jeanne Davis began their terms of office.

The accomplishments of Kurachi and Stratton as trustees of the board were recognized by fellow board members, city dignitaries and residents of Simi Valley.

“Thank you for the many years of devotion to not only the community but to the students as well,” said Rob Collins, a member of the board.

California State Assemblyman Keith Richman, Mayor Paul Miller, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District general manager Larry Peterson and Ventura County School Board Association member Dean Kunicki presented the two outgoing members with official resolutions recognizing their years of service.

“You will be seeing me again because I still have things to accomplish,” Kurachi promised.

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers NEW CHIEF—Rob Collins looks on as Janice DiFatta and Debbie Sandland switch their seats on the board upon DiFatta’s election as school board president. After the special presentation, Eric Lundstrom and Jeanne Davis, the two winners of the November school board race, took their oaths of office.

“I’m truly honored to be able to sit in this seat and make decisions for the school district that will help to better the students,” Lundstrom said.

Janice DiFatta was named the new school board president for the December 2006-December 2007 term. Collins was elected to serve as the clerk of the board for the same term.

During the meeting, members of the newly formed board were assigned to committees. Collins will serve on the city of Simi Valley Ad Hoc Committee and the Tri-Agency Committee, and Davis will serve on the Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District Ad Hoc Committee as well as the Simi Valley Gang Task Force Committee.

Debbie Sandland will serve on the County Committee on School District Organization and the Simi Valley Education Foundation Advisory Board.

DiFatta will serve on the Simi Valley Foundation Advisory Board and the city of Simi Valley Ad Hoc Committee, and Eric Lundstrom will serve on the Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District Ad Hoc Committee and the TriAgency Committee.