Two long serving members of the Castaic Union School District Board of Trustees retired and new governing board members were sworn in at the board’s Tuesday meeting.

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Tearful goodbyes were expressed to board members David Huffaker and Steven Teeman as they said their farewells to fellow board members, district staff and parents.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve all of you,” Huffaker said. “We’ve been around a long time and a lot of you have had such an influence, so I thank you for that.”

Teeman, who was the retiring board president, echoed his sentiment.

“It has been a privilege and an honor to serve on this board,” he said. “It’s been a terrific collaboration between five very different people, all with one focus: the children of our district.”

Representatives from the offices of Congressman Steve Knight, Senator Sharon Runner and Supervisor Michael Antonovich, as well as Assemblyman Scott Wilk presented certificates to the pair.

Huffaker had served three terms with the board over 12 years. Teeman had served over eight years for two full terms.

“We always seemed to come together for the kids,” Huffaker said. “Even when we didn’t agree on the same votes, it was never personal. We always understood where the others were coming from.”

Related Story: Community Input On Next Superintendent Sought By Castaic Union School District Trustees

After the trustees had received their certificates, Wilk swore in the two new members of the board: Stacy Dobbs and Michael Lambarth.

“I’m excited to get started serving the children of the Castaic School District,” said Dobbs. “I have some big shoes to fill.”

Lambarth is looking to continue the legacy of the retiring members while filling those shoes.

“I think it’s a good opportunity to continue what the people who came before us have been doing for the district,” he said.

Teeman believes that it was his time to step down and pass the torch to a new set of board members.

“My whole purpose for being on the board was to have a voice while my daughter was going through the school system,” he explained. “She is now out, so it’s time to let another parent come on board.”

Huffaker is optimistic about the future with the new board members.

“The district is in a good place now,” he said. “These people will continue to support the district.”