El Presidente

A couple weeks back, I was surprised by an emotional reaction to attending my final meeting of Pasadena Unified's Board of Education.

Although I may not be on everyone in the district's list for Christmas/Ramadan/Festivus cards, there was the realization I'd actually miss talking to these people several times a week and observing their eternal angst.

But a new superintendent and school board is matched with a new beat for Star-News reporter Cortney Fielding. And Cortney has jumped in head first.

It would have been interesting to be at Monday's reorganization meeting, similar to what the City Council did an hour or so later.

It was universally assumed the school board would pick for its president member Scott Phelps, who was named vice president some months back when Peter Soelter appeared to game the system to ascend to that position.

Apparently newly elected member Renatta Cooper had something different in mind, as she nominated Esteban Lizardo when the question was brought. And with what had to be uneasy unanimity, everyone accepted that.
Hint: Most of them loathe public disagreement.

Why does this matter? Esteban has long wanted the board to conduct it's business differently. Now, as board president, he's driving the agenda with Superintendent Edwin Diaz. So definitely something to watch.