Jeanne Davis Jeanne Davis, Simi Valley Unified’s new board of education president, said her optimistic personality will serve her well over the next year.

“As president, I can set the tone of optimism and really have a good attitude—energetic and enthusiastic,” she said. “It’s important to be forthright and transparent with the public. I want to let them know what’s being done and how it’s being done. I want to have a good outlook, despite the budget crisis we are in.”

Last week, the SVUSD board reorganized positions. Davis took over the post of president, previously held by Eric Lundstrom.

Lundstrom looked back at his time at the head of the board.

“As I reflect upon this past year during my term as board president, I was glad to see our school district approach the California state budget crisis with a conservative financial mindset,” Lundstrom said. “We unfortunately were forced to lay off some of our . . . employees as well as cutting some of the services that are provided to our students. 

“My approaches to the district have always been operational efficiency and thinking outside the box, and the district has made some moves in this direction. ”

Debbie Sandland was named board clerk, the position Davis formerly held.

Rob Collins, Janice DiFatta and Lundstrom remain board members.

“I just want to do the best things we can with what we have,” Davis said. “We’re on a budget, and we all know it. The last four years have been tough with all the cuts we’ve had to make. We still have a generation of kids to educate, and we want to do the best we can.”

Davis was elected in November 2006 to a four-year term that expires next year. She served 38 years in the district as a teacher of regular education, special education, adult education and GATE. She also served as a vice principal in middle school and as an elementary school principal. 

She is on the City Tree Advisory Board and the Tri-Agency Committee.

“I wish our new board president, Mrs. Jeanne Davis, all the best in her opportunity to lead the board for this next year as the other board members will be there to assist her along the way,” Lundstrom said.