Photos: Historic Night for Belmont Redwood Shores School District

The Belmont-Redwood Shores School District welcomed its newly elected trustees at a special board meeting on December 12, signaling a new era in the governance of the district's seven schools.

BRSSD Superintendent Michael Milliken issued the oath of office to Amy Koo and Suvarna Bhopale. Chuck Velschow, who was re-elected in November, began his second term on the board. 

Koo, Bhopale and Velchow were elected to four-year terms in November. It was the first time in seven years that there had been a contested race for seat on the five-member board. Seven candidates vied for three seats, Velchow being the only incumbent to seek re-election. 

Click on the slideshow above for highlights from the Dec. 12 ceremony.

At the same meeting, held at Nesbit Elementary School, the two outgoing trustees, Brian Matthews and Andy Stulbarg, were honored for their service and received warm praise for their dedication to the district. 

"Despite great challenges, you have served your district with great distinction," said Kevin Fong, as he presented a proclamation to the outgoing trustees on behalf of Sen. Leland Yee, Sen. Jerry Hill, and Assemblyman Kevin Mullin. 

Milliken extended his thanks to Matthews and Stulbarg from the district.

"Thank you for your service and commitment to the community, and for the sacrifices both you and your families have made. You've both shown tremendous strength in making tough decisions," said Milliken. 

And board president Robert Tashjian said that the two men left the district in better shape than when they arrived.

"That's the highest compliment I can give. And I thank them for their service," said Tashjian, who will step down as board president at the next meeting. 

Brian Matthews, who will transition into the role of president of the district's education foundation, School-Force, now that his term is up on the board, said he's hopeful for the future of the district.

"I joined this board for two reasons," said Matthews.

"First, because I thought I had some skills to offer the district, and second, because I had the hope that we were helping kids at some level.

In my day job as a public defender, I spend most of my time in jail, prisons, and occasionally on death row. I'm in communities that don't have a lot of hope," said Matthews.

He continued, "I've been able to find some hope in this district, and I hope the new board will be brave and courageous in how you support our children. Keep your eyes on the prize and hold on."

Andy Stulbarg, who also ended his five-years on the board Thursday night began his farewell by addressing the district's new superintendent, Michael Milliken.

"I'm bullish on our district's future with you as our leader," said Stulbarg.
He then enumerated some of the issues, challenges and triumphs of the district during his tenure, including the Lehman Brothers lawsuit, school boundaries, new construction, union negotiations, the district's financial crisis, and the hiring of a new superintendent and principals.
 
"I want to continue to help bring district together and thrive, despite the challenges we face," Stulbarg added. 

Following her swearing in, Koo, a resident of Redwood Shores and parent of two, called attention to her attire for the evening, and the symbolism of its color--red.

"As you can tell, my favorite color is red. It symbolizes energy and passion, and I want to use that energy and passion to focus on the students in our district," said Koo.

Bhopale, also a resident of Redwood Shores and parent of two, said she hopes to bring transformational leadership to the district. 

"One must foster leadership in others, and I hope to foster that leadership in our community, our district and our schools," said Bhopale. 

The Board of Trustees meets at 7:15 pm, except when otherwise noted, at the District Office building, 2960 Hallmark Dr. in Belmont.

Click on the slideshow above for highlights from the Dec. 12 ceremony.