Gilroy
– In his third year on the school board, Tom Bundros was denied
the opportunity to serve as vice president when newly elected board
member Pat Midtgaard received the majority of board support for the
position.
Gilroy – In his third year on the school board, Tom Bundros was denied the opportunity to serve as vice president when newly elected board member Pat Midtgaard received the majority of board support for the position.
After Rhoda Bress failed to get a second motion for her nomination of Bundros, past president Jaime Rosso nominated Midtgaard. All members but Bress supported Midtgaard’s nomination.
Bundros declined to comment Tuesday.
Board member Jim Rogers, who called the decision “a little unusual,” said he voted for Midtgaard because he thought she was better suited for the position.
“I chose not to (vote for Bundros), that’s all,” Rogers said. “I certainly didn’t have any strong reasons. … When (Midtgaard) was nominated, I thought that was a person I could support more. Each board member probably had their own reasons. They’re not personal reasons.”
Rogers emphasized it was important for the board to move forward with the new board positions and work together as a team.
“As long as a school board member has the time, interest and willingness to work for the best thing possible in education for kids, that’s the only qualification I see,” he said.
Outgoing member Bob Kraemer said it’s up to each individual board member to select who he or she thinks will best serve the various offices.
“If there is a precedent, it’s that the vice president normally – but not guaranteed – becomes the president,” he said. “The decisions are based on what each member feels who that person should be.”
TJ Owens will serve as board president for the next year.
Before trustees got down to business Monday night, an unusually lively atmosphere with roughly 65 attendees filled the district office board room in a welcoming nod to Midtgaard and Bress, as well as to pay tribute to Kraemer and John Gurich, the second outgoing board member.
Gurich, who had a prior commitment, could not attend Monday’s reception. Kraemer spoke in high regard of the four years he spent on the board, promising he would not “ride off into the sunset” but would remain actively involved and interested in Gilroy’s public schools.
Diaz, Rosso and members of the California School Administrators honored Kraemer for his work and creativity as a board member.
“Bob’s personal dedication, commitment and hard work goes virtually unmatched, not only to our schools but to the community of Gilroy,” Diaz said.
Diaz also commended Rosso for his solid leadership as board president.
“It’s hard enough being a board member. Being board president during a time of increasing changes and declining resources is truly a challenge,” Diaz said.
After Judge Joseph Biafore swore in Midtgaard, Bress and Rosso, Dale Connell presented a $50,000 donation to the Connell Family Music Fund.
The fund, established in 1997 as a Gilroy Foundation designated fund, supports music programs in the Gilroy Unified School District.
The district is fortunate to have some of the best music teachers in the country, Connell said.
“Music is a mental stretch,” Connell said. “It contributes to the understanding of many other subjects.”
