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Announcement of New MPS Board Chair
Dear Magnolia Community,
I wanted to share some bittersweet news regarding leadership changes on our board of directors at the last board meeting on July 13, 2017. Noël Russell-Unterburger has stepped down from the Magnolia Public Schools board of directors. Ms. Russell-Unterburger originally came to join the Magnolia family 11 years ago as a parent of two students at MSA 4, and dedicated her time, professional experience and talents to help their school thrive. During the last five years, she has devoted herself to board service, including serving as the board chairperson for the past year. As one of the most respected non-profit organization financial executives in Southern California, her wisdom, integrity, and credibility brought us through eleven renewals, the State Audit, a major bond issuance, the reconstruction of our internal policies and practices, and a myriad of other improvements. She has honored us with her consistent advocacy on behalf of the schools, staff, students, and parents.
The board voted to appoint as president longtime board member Saken Sherkhanov. Our leadership team is very excited to work in partnership with our former Magnolia teacher, who will increase the board’s focus on academic success.
Dr. Sherkhanov, a CalTech graduate with a doctorate from UCLA, joined Magnolia in 2003. While serving as a physical science and biology teacher for five years, he helped to develop the curriculum for physical and life sciences courses. He also worked to introduce advanced math, science, and engineering programs, as well as creating the Advanced Placement program in MSA schools. Mr. Sherkhanov’s experience and commitment to Magnolia will serve our whole community well in his new role as board chair.
With three board seats currently vacant, the board continues to seek people to serve on our board of directors. We hope to recruit our new board members from our own Magnolia School community – including parents, alumni, community stakeholders and Magnolia champions – to continue our commitment to diversify and ensure our board reflects the communities we serve. Please feel free to forward any nominations for board membership to Barbara Torres (btorres@magnoliapublicschools.org ) who will forward them to the members of the Governance/Nominating Committee.
We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Ms. Russell-Unterburger for her tireless service and wish her well in her future endeavors. Her unwavering commitment to education and serving our region’s youth is inspiring.
As always, please feel free to contact me at cyoung@magnoliapublicschools.org if you have any questions.
All my best,
Dr. Caprice Young
CEO & Superintendent, Magnolia Public Schools
News and Announcements
Announcement of New MPS Board Chair
Dear Magnolia Community,I wanted to share some bittersweet news regarding leadership changes on our board of directors at the last board meeting on July 13, 2017. Noël Russell-Unterburger has stepped down from the Magnolia Public Schools board of directors. Ms. Russell-Unterburger originally came to join the Magnolia family 11 years ago as a parent of two students at MSA 4, and dedicated her time, professional experience and talents to help their school thrive. During the last five years, she has devoted herself to board service, including serving as the board chairperson for the past year. As one of the most respected non-profit organization financial executives in Southern California, her wisdom, integrity, and credibility brought us through eleven renewals, the State Audit, a major bond issuance, the reconstruction of our internal policies and practices, and a myriad of other improvements. She has honored us with her consistent advocacy on behalf of the schools, staff, students, and parents.
The board voted to appoint as president longtime board member Saken Sherkhanov. Our leadership team is very excited to work in partnership with our former Magnolia teacher, who will increase the board’s focus on academic success.
Dr. Sherkhanov, a CalTech graduate with a doctorate from UCLA, joined Magnolia in 2003. While serving as a physical science and biology teacher for five years, he helped to develop the curriculum for physical and life sciences courses. He also worked to introduce advanced math, science, and engineering programs, as well as creating the Advanced Placement program in MSA schools. Mr. Sherkhanov’s experience and commitment to Magnolia will serve our whole community well in his new role as board chair.
With three board seats currently vacant, the board continues to seek people to serve on our board of directors. We hope to recruit our new board members from our own Magnolia School community – including parents, alumni, community stakeholders and Magnolia champions – to continue our commitment to diversify and ensure our board reflects the communities we serve. Please feel free to forward any nominations for board membership to Barbara Torres (btorres@
We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Ms. Russell-Unterburger for her tireless service and wish her well in her future endeavors. Her unwavering commitment to education and serving our region’s youth is inspiring.
As always, please feel free to contact me at cyoung@
All my best,
Dr. Caprice Young
CEO & Superintendent, Magnolia Public Schools