We are pleased to introduce the Chair of the School Closures Advisory Committee, Mrs. Peggy Maryanski, who brings a deep commitment to public education and decades of experience serving students and the Ventura community.

With a 20-year career in Ventura Unified, she shared,
“I taught mostly kindergarten and also 2nd grade, reading intervention, and math intervention over my 20-year career with VUSD. I made my home in classrooms on both sides of town, and in midtown (Sheridan Way, Juanamaria, and Elmhurst). At each site, I participated in the PTA, School Site Council, and/or the staff Leadership Team, knowing that my important work in the classroom was dependent on each school's thoughtful financial decisions, committed leadership, and a strong school culture. I was a dedicated teacher and loved my students and my work. I retired in 2023.”

Her professional background also includes 15 years as a local news reporter and editor.
“I reported on many public entities and respect those that, like VUSD, strive to meet their mission with transparency and consensus.”

She emphasized her commitment to thoughtful leadership and collaboration, noting,
“I am grateful to be a member of this important committee and believe I can contribute as chair. I am dedicated to public education. I have the benefit of insight into schools without an active stake in any particular one. I am versed in public budgets and their constraints. I am open to creative problem-solving. I do not shy away from challenging conversations.”

When asked how she plans to lead the committee, she shared a perspective shaped by years in the classroom:
“I taught kindergarten for 16 years. Taking my cue from Robert Fulghum's ‘All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,’ I hope to ensure that committee members take turns, share, and play nice. We have a lot to learn together and an important task to accomplish. We will also break occasionally for milk and cookies.”

She recognizes the importance of the committee’s role, stating,
“The school closures advisory committee is a microcosm of our community. Everyone on this panel cares about doing the right thing. In meeting the committee's mandate of making a recommendation to the Board of Education about which schools, if any, should be closed, the committee has a responsibility to model for our fellow Venturans the value of making well-informed decisions, considering others' views, and valuing consensus.”

For families and staff who may be feeling uncertain, she offered this message:
“Action and knowledge are antidotes for anxiety, and I encourage interested parties to participate and stay informed as this committee gathers information and seeks consensus. Know that I am committed to a fair, transparent, and inclusive process, and if our work lacks these characteristics, I urge observers to speak up.”

She also spoke candidly about why this work is necessary:
“To NOT look at potentially closing schools, to avoid painful conversations, to embrace the status quo is to abdicate VUSD's responsibility to its many stakeholders. The district's greater community deserves to know that VUSD is willing to reflect on its current state, acknowledge the need to do better, build a stronger financial safety net, and consider even the most substantive changes. We owe the same to the future.”

A longtime Ventura resident, she shared her personal connection to the district:
“My husband, Ken, and I raised our daughter in Ventura and were very happy with the rich and challenging education she got through VUSD. I have lived the passion of school spirit. I’ve lived in Ventura for 27 years, and I intend to stay. I am grateful I can serve my community in this role.”

We thank her for her leadership and service as the committee begins this important work. We will share more about our Vice-Chair in an upcoming communication.