Governing board members and the superintendent of the Newhall School District (NSD) have announced their completion of the California School Boards Association (CSBA) Masters in Governance Program on Monday.

Board members Suzan Solomon, Donna Rose and Ernesto Smith and Superintendent Jeff Pelzel completed the program, which aims to help schools govern more effectively and is conducting training virtually amid the pandemic.

“Those who earn the Masters in Governance certificate come away better equipped to serve and strengthen their public schools and their community because of the skills and knowledge gained that are integral to educate governance and leadership in the 21st century,” said CSBA President Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez, a 2015 program graduate. “I applaud the 2020 graduates not only for completing this important program, but also for demonstrating each day their commitment to personal growth and ensuring equitable opportunities and outcomes for all students.”

Over 3,000 board members and superintendents have participated in the Masters in Governance certificate program since its creation in 1998. To receive the certificate, participants must complete 35 hours of intensive training on the role of the governance team.

Topics covered in the program include setting district goals, student learning and achievement, school finance, human resources, policy and judicial review, collective bargaining, and community relations and advocacy.

Solomon is currently the president of the NSD board. She was first elected to the board in 1999, and is now serving her sixth term in office. Her children attended Old Orchard Elementary School where Mrs. Solomon was involved in the PTA, site council and local school district committee work before running for the NSD board.

“This is the second time in 17 years I have taken the Masters in Governance program,” said Solomon. “It remains relevant, and provides training that gives school board members an equitable foundation from which to make informed, transparent, and just decisions.”

Rose is serving as a board member for the NSD. She was first elected to the NSD board in 2018, is a retired assistant superintendent of business services for the Santa Paula Unified School District. She has been a resident of Santa Clarita since 1986, and her children attended Old Orchard Elementary School and Wiley Canyon Elementary School where she served as the PTA treasurer.

“The Masters in Governance training provides a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of being an effective board member,” commented Rose.

Smith is a board member for the NSD and works in local government as an information technology manager. He is a former District Safety Committee member and former Measure E Citizen Oversight Committee.

“The MIG program was excellent,” stressed Smith. “The program allows you to dive into relevant topics that are essential to your success as a board member.”

Pelzel also found the program enriching. “As a newer Superintendent, the opportunity to learn and grow with my Board Members was so rewarding,” enthused Pelzel. “It really reinforces how we are all a team and the importance of taking a stance around equity. I see this as a course Superintendents and Board Members should participate in on a regular basis.”

For more information about CSBA’s Masters in Governance programs, contact Senior Director of Communications Troy Flint here.

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