LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Lafayette Elects a New School Board


The results are

In a race of five candidates for three spots, tension was high and campaign signs were everywhere. Teresa Gerringer sought reelection, Art Kapoor vied for the spot he was appointed to two years ago, and David Gerson, Berch Parker and Saveth Soun battled for the seat being vacated by Ann Appert. Gerringer and Kapoor held on to their seats and Gerson pulled far enough ahead to win Appert's seat.

Gerson, a Springhill Elementary School parent, was relieved to move beyond the election. "I'm happy to get it over with and I look forward to working with the other School Board members; I think it will be a good working relationship. I have a learning curve ahead of me and I look forward to absorbing how it (the school district) works from the inside out," said Gerson. In the short-term, Gerson plans to help the District with its efforts to pursue additional funding sources. He also plans to address the issue of families who live outside District boundaries but attend Lafayette schools by using false addresses. Gerson said it's not fair to Lafayette residents or to those students who attend our schools as Allen Bill or interdistrict transfer students. "I appreciate all those who supported me and I look forward to going to work for this community," said Gerson.

The incumbents were also enthused about the election results. "I am thrilled to be re-elected. The vote reaffirmed my belief that the current board has done a great job for the citizens, parents and children of Lafayette. Now the hard work of developing the district's budget for the 2011-2012 school year will start. I look forward to working with David Gerson as we start to tackle the District's budget challenges," said Kapoor. Gerringer echoed Kapoor's gratitude to the voters and shared thoughts about Ann Appert and David Gerson. "I would like to personally thank Ann Appert for her many years of service - she will be missed. I look forward to getting to know and work with David Gerson. There is a steep learning curve, but David showed during the election that he is willing to take the time to study the issues and to listen. Both are important qualities in a board member," said Gerringer.