On a night that celebrated the service Robert Hall gave to the Hart School District, the Governing Board held its annual reorganization Wednesday.

Joe Messina was named Board President, Steve Sturgeon Clerk and Bob Jensen Assistant Clerk. The terms will last for one year until the reorganization meeting in December, 2017.

Before the meeting a brief ceremony was held to thank Robert Hall for his three years of service on the Hart School District’s Governing Board. State Senator Scott Wilk was on hand to present the outgoing Board President with a resolution from the State Assembly. Field representatives from Congressman Steve Knight, Assemblyman Dante Acosta, Supervisor Kathryn Barger and the City of Santa Clarita also presented certificates of recognition.

State Senator Scott Wilk presents resolution to Robert Hall for his years of serving the Hart Governing Board.

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An Open Letter from Outgoing Hart District Governing Board President Robert Hall:

To All Hart District:

Tonight will be my last meeting, I leave this seat and this board which I love being part of … Being given this incredible opportunity to travel to Singapore will become a crazy event for a man at this stage of his life. My wife and I are excited to explore the world and becoming part of a culture is an unbelievable opportunity. I truly will miss being part of the district and hope that in the future I will be accepted back.

My comments fit within the current season…I happen to have 12 comments I would like to make. I promise there are no “maids a milkin’” on the list…
First off, I want to thank my wonderful wife. She has been most generous in allowing me to take the time to be part of this great district. She is the one that has made the most sacrifice. I love you and thank you.

I want to thank the community, parents and the entire Hart District for their support of the board. I know that not every decision is cheered for. I ask that everyone slow down and consider the efforts that go into the decisions from the staff and this board. Not one decision has been made without unbelievable amounts of discussion and professional counsel.

To our wonderful parents, continue to be involved in your child’s education become part of system and do not believe for a second a teacher is the best educator for all your child’s needs. You know your child best and realize that each teacher can only go so far in that education. Success is dependent on everyone supporting your children.

To the district staff, thank you for your patience in helping us all understand the complexities of running a district. From CFDs, , to EDCODE, to TOSAs, to CTE and a myriad of other acronyms you have truly been supportive and kind.

Castaic High is real and coming. I am proud of the work this board has done with the help of staff. Another decision we should have made sooner was to bring Lundgren and their expertise on board sooner. This is a huge project and I am proud that we will break ground soon.

I am going to name a few people specifically, that have been for me personally impactful…this does not mean there are not many more people that have been instrumental in our success but it is a small highlight of some great work that gets done…
I have looked over the past three years of decisions and I can tell you we made some very good decisions a little late…

The first and foremost is the hiring of Vicki Engbrecht to the superintendent. To me she embodies the Hart District. She has stood tall (not in pictures) for all students, teachers, parents and other constituents to the district. Her ability to navigate the complexities of this role are amazing. I will also say as you go forward that the leadership roles of this district need to come from within and have a broad understanding of the community needs instead of the need to get a promotion on their way to retirement.

Her staff is outstanding and becoming well developed, I have watched Mike, Michael and Erin grow to become leaders in their own right. Santa Clarita truly has one of the most outstanding foundations and bench for a school district long into the future.

Others I want to say thank you to are Kathy Hunter and Mariane Doyle for the wonderful work you do ensuring our kids are in classes and not at home getting into more trouble or studying and exposing students to real careers and real life opportunities . You both are fantastic and I am so proud of all that you do.

The school staffs, I have gotten to know many of you and am proud of the work you do. The principals, APs and other staff truly bring home the education we expect from our tax dollars. I am a proud parent of a soon to be med student, a freshman rider at U. of Georgia Equestrian team, and an older daughter that has created her own way after her studies. All products of the Hart District.

I have watched these staffs and teachers embrace new laws, curriculum and many other issues to ensure we bring better outcomes for our students. I proudly sit here and voice my support that all kids are different and their futures are not necessarily in 4 year or 2 year continuing education. Trade schools and beginning careers out of high school are great options. Each and every one of our students need to have access to the tools and opportunities to discover themselves and their passions.

The teachers union and specifically Jayme Allsman and John Ahart and the rest of your teams. I have appreciated your candor, your trust and collaboration. I ask that you continue to drive your members to teaching excellence and this board will continue to support you. Your friendship has been greatly appreciated. I still would like to find a compensation system that rewards the best teachers but that will be a conversation for another day.

Mia Reed thank you for your support within the non-classified ranks. Your members are lucky to have someone that cares so much for their goodwill.

Steve, Bob, Joe and Linda. Thank you for the journey. The hardest part of this decision was leaving this board. What we do is very important. The perspectives, differing views, and deep discussions from many angles has made this a great team to work with. I can share that I have not met a group of people more committed to the health of education than these folks. I will also like to specifically thank Mr. Sturgeon. He has forgotten more than I can ever learn regarding this district. His counsel and knowledge will be truly missed should he ever decide to leave this board. Steve has spoiled this district with his commitment and knowledge. I thank you for all you did for me.

Lastly, the first thing I was told when I started was you only have to remember one thing in your role on the board …every decision should only keep one thing in mind…”it’s the kids”.

Again thank you all…

Rob Hall