By Ian S. Port
Assistant Editor
Saying she had “fundamental philosophical differences” with the majority of trustees on the Del Mar Union School District board, veteran member Linda Crawford resigned March 11.
“Sadly, I have come to the conclusion that it is simply impossible for me to reconcile the actions of this board with my own beliefs,” Crawford wrote in a resignation letter distributed via email.
Crawford, who sat on the school board for 11 years and oversaw the rapid expansion of the district from three to eight campuses and the entire tenure of recently departed superintendent Tom Bishop, indicated that it may have been Bishop’s departure that caused her to resign. She could not be reached for comment by press time.
“It is my wish that the current school board begin to show respect and appreciation for the professionals who work in the district,” Crawford wrote. “It is also my wish that this current board recognize their fiduciary responsibilities, particularly with reference to the sale of the Shores property in Del Mar.”
Crawford and fellow trustee Janet Lamborghini voted against the decision by board members Annette Easton, Steven McDowell and Katherine White to buy out Bishop’s contract, calling it “a sad day.” She sat on the board that brought Bishop to the district in 1998.
Everyone who could be reached for comment March 11 expressed surprise at Crawford’s decision to resign. The longtime trustee was up for reelection in November.
“I’m surprised — Linda was an outstanding board member and regrettably I accept her resignation,” interim superintendent Janet Bernard said.
“[Crawford] does not make sudden decisions about anything — she really thinks things through,” Bernard said. “I feel that she probably put a lot of thought into this before making the final decision.”
Trustee Katherine White, who has often disagreed with Crawford on policy matters, expressed admiration for her dedication to the district.
“While we disagreed on a lot of decisions … we shared a common belief in our children and the quality of staff that we share in Del Mar,” White said.
Trustee Steven McDowell said Crawford had a long-earned understanding of the district that aided her decision-making as a board member.
“She kind of came up through the ranks,” McDowell said. “She knew the schools and she knew the teachers and she had kids going into high school, so she had an understanding of the needs going forward.”
The board has several options in the wake of Crawford’s resignation, which Bernard said would be considered at its next regular meeting March 26. The group may elect to continue with a four-person board, or appoint someone to fill Crawford’s seat until the November election, Bernard said.
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