The Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District Board of Education conducted its annual reorganization meeting in December, selecting Jesse Urquidi as President and Karen Morrison as Vice President.

The District, its teachers and community members and local elected officials also commemorated the yearlong service of Margarita Rios as president in 2014.

“This past year has been a challenging, but exciting year,” Rios said. “The Common Core State Standards were introduced, a new district funding formula (LCFF) was implemented, and the school board adopted the district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan. The school board also began the search process for a new superintendent, and placed a successful school bond measure before the voters. I am grateful for the numerous leadership opportunities 2014 presented to me as board president and look forward to continuing my service to our school community.”

The District, staff, teachers and local elected officials, including State Sen. Tony Mendoza and the office of Assemblyman Ian Calderon provided Rios with commendations for her service.

Newly appointed President Urquidi, who served as Vice President this year, pledged his commitment to continuing the District’s path to success and high student achievement.

“There’s lots of change in education with the introduction of the Common Core State Standards and the Local Control Funding Formula, as well as our own Local Control and Accountability Plan,” Urquidi said. “These are positive changes that will help our District remain on a continuum of success.”

Among his priorities in the new year, Urquidi said he will work for the installation of a system that will allow the District to broadcast board meetings online, and the creation of a NLMUSD Sports Facilities council, similar to the one operating in La Mirada, to promote efficiency in scheduling and use of the District’s fields and facilities by community youth and adult sports leagues in Norwalk.

“It has been a joy to return to this school district and help move forward the great academic programs and support services we offer our children to help them thrive,” said Norwalk-La Mirada Interim Superintendent Ginger Shattuck. “I look forward to continuing to work with this newly reorganized Board to promote success in all facets of Norwalk-La Mirada Unified.”