Robert Tashjian is New BRSSD Board President

In its annual reorganization exercise, the Belmont-Redwood School District Board of Trustees last night approved the nomination of its new officers: Robert Tashjian as president, Chuck Velschow as vice-president, and Daniel Kaul as clerk. The new officers took office immediately.

In addition to leadership roles, the five-member board also assigned representatives to various committees and organizations.

Upon stepping down from his role as board president for the past year, Brian Matthews was praised by Tashjian for his leadership and keeping the ship righted during a difficult year.

"It's been a rough year, but you've moved us forward and have helped take the district in the right direction," Tashjian said in his remarks to Matthews.

"You've been able to rally the community and explain about the district's financial situation and what our budget issues are," he added.

Interim co-superintendent Nellie Hungerford also praised Matthews for his year of service.

"We are so grateful for the time you give and for what you do for the children of this district. You have been a fine leader, and this district has been in good hands," Hungerford said.

Matthews thanked the board and the BRSSD staff for their support over the past year, reserving a praise for administrative assistant to the superintendent Diane Ribotta.

"This district wouldn't happen if it weren't for you," Matthews told Ribotta.

"You are able to move mountains, and sometimes we ask you to do just that," he added.

As is tradition, the new leadership took office immediately, so Tashjian moved into the president's chair for the rest of the meeting where he lead a discussion over the first interim budget report, the district's new website, and teacher credentialing.

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