The seating in the boardroom could not accommodate the flock of people that turned out to Tuesday’s school board meeting to pay tribute to three board members who are termed out and stepping down from their posts.
It was an emotional farewell for Jane Diehl, Drew Gamet, and Todd Loewenstein, who have been part of a transformational period for the Redondo Beach Unified School District. An evening full of photo slideshows, gifts, and expressions of gratitude, Tuesday was the trio’s last meeting.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steven Keller opened the meeting with a quick rundown of the legacy and profound accomplishments of Diehl, Gamet, and Loewenstein.
They were on the board when voters passed Measure Q and Measure C.
“I think the results are profound and I don’t think anybody would disagree with that,” Keller said.
Among other advances made during their tenure were the digitization of live meetings, agendas, student information systems, and job applications; A 71-point jump in API scores; and the achievement of 100 percent highly qualified teaching staff.
They also oversaw the implementation of immersion and language programs, doubled music participation, created a community day school, raised money for teaching staff, completed a land swap with the city that generated a $1 million windfall for the school district, and introduced Blue Zones concepts into all schools.
Under their tutelage, the district was rated number one in the state by the School Attendance Review Board twice.
Mayor Mike Gin recognized the outgoing three for successfully steering the district through tough economic times.
“I look back at the years of service that all of you represent and what has been accomplished with your presence on this board in its current configuration and prior and it’s pretty remarkable what has happened with this district,” Gin said.
He applauded Gamet for focusing on academics but also on arts and culture; Loewenstein for bringing his entrepreneurial and financial background to the board’s negotiations and discussions; and Diehl for her continuous advocacy on behalf of every student.
Representatives from the Redondo Beach Teachers Association, California School Employees Association, Parent Teacher Association, and the Redondo Beach Educational Foundation also expressed their gratitude.
Student board member Daniella Ruotolo thanked Diehl, Gamet, and Loewenstein for their guidance.
“I’d just like to say I’ve been honored because I’ve been able to sit with some of the most respectable people I’ll ever meet in my entire life,” Ruotolo said. “You guys are an inspiration not only to me but the entire city of Redondo Beach and I will always cherish the time spent and things learned inside this room.”
Gamet thanked the people in the room – educators, administrators, district staff – for “really fighting for every single [student], scrapping for all those kids to make sure learning is going on in our classrooms,” he said.
“I think the thing that is so clear to see is the success that we’ve had does not happen unless everyone is singularly engaged in that every single day, putting their heart and soul into making sure every kid in our school district learns.”
He paid tribute to Keller, who he said is an “amazing dude” who has made some “incredible” change in Redondo Beach.
Loewenstein thanked all the people he has worked with during his time on the board, applauding them for making an impact not only on his own family but on every child in the school district.
“It’s not just a paycheck for you, it’s giving back, and it’s so important,” he said. He also paid tribute to the district’s professional staff.
“We’ve been showered with attention [for] the great things we’ve done but make no mistake about it, I know the work you all put in is what makes us look good,” he said.
In other news, the board has authorized refinancing of several construction bonds, saving local taxpayers $370,000. Officials say similar refinancing decisions over the past several years will garner nearly $3 million in savings.
