By Jim Kerr
With a school administration in flux following the resignation of their superintendent, the Del Mar Union School District has lost another major player with the sudden resignation of school board trustee Linda Crawford.
Crawford, an 11-year veteran of the board, announced her decision March 12, with her resignation effective that day.
"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," said Crawford in a press release sent to this newspaper. "I have fundamental philosophical differences with the current board majority. It is my wish that the current school board begin to show respect and appreciation for the professionals who work in this district. 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. The community as a whole deserves no less."
Crawford and board vice-president Janet Lamborghini have butted heads with the board's president Annette Easton, and fellow trustees Katherine White and Steve McDowell after the trio was elected as a slate in the November 2006 board election. Since that election, Crawford and Lamborghini have often voted in the minority on board decisions and did so again last month in the contract buyout of their superintendent Tom Bishop.
The Bishop resignation caused a major fracas throughout the school district with many parents and teachers questioning the motives behind the decision. Bishop received a generous severance package of almost $300,000, something that also didn't sit well with district parents including prospective donors to the Del Mar School's Education Foundation.
According to Sherry Forte, executive assistant to the board, under school board bylaws, trustees may now either appoint a successor to Crawford or vote to hold a special election for the seat. The board's next regular meeting will be held Wednesday, March 26 at 6 p.m. at Del Mar Hills Academy.
Source: http://delmartimes.net/index.php?section=frontpage#crawford
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