The Beverly Hills Courier, powered by LocalToolbox - Serving: Beverly Hills, Bel Air, H... Page 1 of 2 Serving: Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Holmby Hills, Century City, Trousdale Estates, Brentwood, West Hollywood Thursd Local Weather Local News and Information Beverly Hills, CA • E-E Currently: clear & 59°F (15°C) Myra Demeter Considered For Seat On Wind: Calm L.A. Community College Board Click for More Weather By Abbey Hood Your 4 Day Flu Forecast Beverly Hills Board of Education President Dr. Myra Demeter, submitted her application for an open seat on the Los Angeles Community College District’s board of trustees, but was not Your 4-Day Allergy Forecast selected. The governing board oversees more than 130,000 students at nine community college campuses throughout Los Angeles County, including: West Los Angeles, East Los Angeles and Los Television Listings Angeles community colleges. • 20 “It seemed like a natural progression to progress from K12 to Rate community colleges,” said Demeter, whose term on the Beverly • 20 Local Television Hills school board ends in 2009. “There are so many issues in Rate powered by MeeVee community colleges that have basis in K12.” • Ne • Local TV Listings Demeter addressed the community college board in a lengthy Direc meeting Wednesday afternoon. She listed her qualifications for • Ge Television Headlines the seventh seat, that came available after Warren T. Furutani Cont • Equifax Credit Watch - was elected to the state assembly in February. • Se Mate Sponsored Link - channel 4 “I have a passion for education,” said Demeter. “And a unique set news of qualifications.” Demeter recounted her 20 years experience as classroom • What's Next For Grey's? - tv teacher, time spent as an administrator, her board governing guide online Loca experience as a Beverly Hills school board member elected in • Jennifer Lopez reality TV 2001 and again in 2005. show - marieclaire.co.uk As a board member, Demeter stated she has been instrumental more Television News... in focusing on and implementing state standards, creating benchmark assessments for students, instrumental in establishing more rigorous professional development, installing Local Business teachers on special assignment in the classroom, improved communication in the school district, renegotiated the City’s joint powers agreement and was involved in other organizations in the City. Speaking on her behalf was Beverly Hills Education Association Apri President Chris Bushee. Acting as the teachers’ union president for three years, he has worked side-by-side with her. “I know the facility issue in the community colleges is big,” said Bushee. “In the last seven years, it is an issue we have had to deal with.” Find A Business She will be filling the shoes of a board member who had K12 experience; this is a new replacement, Bushee continued. And, unlike other candidates, Demeter has been elected to a governing body before. Demeter, the only candidate from Beverly Hills to apply, was among 26 qualified applicants that included attorneys, Clic professors, and accountants. “My background is as a social worker, administrator of foster abov care, I have registered hundreds to vote, and helped hundreds to Search for : http://tbhc.ltbx.net/community/local/news/index.php?pID=6af5b252c66dc859e58b41e21e... 4/24/2008 The Beverly Hills Courier, powered by LocalToolbox - Serving: Beverly Hills, Bel Air, H... Page 2 of 2 Hote become citizens, and have been a faculty member at California Ente State University Northridge for nine years,” said Dr. Gabriel d Type of business Buelna. Ci The appointment ultimately went to Miguel Santiago, an officer of the Los Angeles Democratic Party, after a unanimous approval by Name of business Sta the board. “I want to reach out to disconnected youth,” said Santiago. “Once Arriv City: students are enrolled I would like to increase transfer rates to Depa four year universities.” Unlike Santiago, Demeter did not submit a list of endorsers. The Adul Beverly Hills school board president said she became aware of Room State: Select the opening three days before her trip to Israel on March 11. She submitted her application, which included a response to 10 in- depth questions, the day before she left. B Find Demeter said she was not able to do any political lobbying during the trip she returned from late Tuesday night. Mor “An extraordinary candidate was chosen,” said Demeter. “He is someone who will do an extraordinary job.” Santiago will take oath of office on April 9, his term will expire in 2009. The elected four - year term is a paid position; board members make $2,000 a month. This is the second time in one year a position has come available on the board. In 2007, trustee Michael Waxman, resigned and he moved to Washington. Board member Angela Reddock was appointed at that time. Santiago, a San Fernando Valley resident, will join board member Georgia Mercer, a Beverly Hills resident elected to the community college board in 1998. If Demeter had been appointed, it is not clear if her term on the Beverly Hills school board would be affected. Spokeswoman for the Community College board Lynn Winter Gross, said she was not aware if it would affect Demeter’s term. Demeter was not aware either. Home | Local | National | Weather © 2008 The Beverly Hills Courier -- powered by LocalToolbox™ Corporation Terms of Use Privacy Policy Powered http://tbhc.ltbx.net/community/local/news/index.php?pID=6af5b252c66dc859e58b41e21e... 4/24/2008.