Notice: OPUSD Board of Education Member Vacancy

Dear OPUSD Community, Board Member Mary Pallant submitted her resignation from the Oak Park Unified School District Board of Education effective April 27, 2026, due to increasing work responsibilities that no longer allowed her to devote the time required to serve in the role. We thank Mary for her service and contributions to the district during her time on the Board. Under Education Code section 5091, the Board of Education is required to take action within 60 days of the vacancy to either order an election or make a provisional appointment. While the timing of the vacancy allows the seat to appear on the November 2026 ballot, state law does not allow the Board to leave the seat vacant until that election. Because an election cannot occur before November 2026, the Board voted at a Special Meeting held on May 6, 2026, to proceed with a provisional appointment process to fill the vacancy before the 60-day deadline. The individual appointed by the Board will then need to file nomination papers and run in the November 3, 2026, election in order to complete the remainder of Mary Pallant's term, which expires in December 2028. NOTICE  is hereby given pursuant to Section 5092 of the Education Code of the State of California that, due to the vacancy caused by the resignation of Board Member Mary Pallant, the Oak Park Unified School District Board of Education will make a provisional appointment pursuant to Education Code Section 5091. The application period is now open and will close on June 12, 2026. Applications must be received no later than 4:00 PM on Friday, June 12, 2026. Candidate interviews and selection will take place in open session at a Special Board Meeting on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Presentation Room G9 at Oak Park High School. Additional information regarding the process, eligibility requirements, application materials, and timeline is available on the district website at  www.opusd.org/BoardVacancy . If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at  raggarwal@opusd.org .  Sincerely, Ragini Aggarwal Public Information and Strategic Communications Officer Oak Park Unified School District

Saturday, May 16 2026

In memory of Adam Rauch, Assistant Superintendent of...

Dear OPUSD community, It is with a very heavy heart that we share the news that Adam Rauch, our Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, passed away earlier this week after facing an aggressive form of cancer with quiet strength and deep faith. Adam joined Oak Park Unified School District in July 2019 and served as a valued member of the Cabinet and the Leadership Team. Before joining OPUSD, he served for 17 years in Moorpark Unified School District in a variety of roles, including counselor, assistant principal, principal, and director. His years in education gave him a deep understanding of schools, students, staff, families, and the systems that support them. Adam was a gifted educator with a strong business mind. Under his leadership, our district's financials and fiscal oversight were steady, thoughtful, and clear. His work touched nearly every part of OPUSD, from budgets and long-term planning to facilities, construction, and the systems that allow our schools to serve students well. Much of this work happened behind the scenes, but Adam understood that every decision connected back to students, staff, and the learning environments we create for them. He cared about the details because he cared about the people we serve. To know Adam was to know his warmth, humor, and kindness. He had a way of making people feel at ease, often with a smile, a joke, a story, or a simple offer to help. When Adam spoke with you, he gave you his full attention and made you feel valued. He brought calm to difficult moments, lightness when it was needed, and a genuine desire to help wherever he could. He was the kind of person who showed up for others, and that care was felt by many across our community. Adam loved his family with all his heart and spoke of them with pride and joy. He also loved his work and this community. Even as he faced his illness, he remained connected to the people and purpose that mattered so much to him, and he continued to show the quiet strength, integrity, and care that defined who he was. Our thoughts are with Adam's family during this difficult time. We will share information regarding memorial services as it becomes available, and we ask that everyone respect the family's need for privacy and space as they grieve. Adam often signed his messages, “Be well.” Those words reflected how he lived and the care he extended to others. “The people we love and have lost do not just shape our past, they show up in how we live every day.” - George Couros May Adam continue to show up in how we care for one another, how we serve our students, and how we support this community. In Adam's words, be well. Anais Wenn, Superintendent 

Thursday, May 14 2026

Alexis Boyadjian Appointed as Assistant Principal of...

Dear OPUSD Families, I am pleased to share that the Board of Education announced the appointment of Alexis Boyadjian as Assistant Principal of Medea Creek Middle School at its May 12, 2026, meeting. He will begin his role on July 1, 2026. Alexis brings more than 20 years of experience in education and has been part of OPUSD since 2021, serving as Dean of Students at Medea Creek Middle School. During this time, he has worked closely with students, staff, and families to support a positive and well-structured school environment, and his transition into this role builds on the strong foundation already in place. Before joining OPUSD, Alexis served as Administrative Director at Granada Hills Charter High School for more than six years, where he supported instruction, led professional development, evaluated staff, and worked directly with students and families. Earlier in his career, he served as an academic advisor and Social Studies teacher, including AP U.S. History, helping students stay on track and succeed in their coursework. At Medea Creek, Alexis has played an important role in strengthening school systems that support students academically, socially, and emotionally. He has led efforts in student discipline and campus supervision, supported intervention systems, and helped expand student programs such as ASB, All-Star Sports, and recognition activities that build connections and school pride. Families and students know Alexis as someone who is visible on campus, approachable, and focused on building positive relationships. His work reflects a consistent commitment to supporting students and creating an environment where they feel safe, supported, and engaged. Alexis shares, “ I look forward to continuing to work at Medea Creek Middle School and within OPUSD, supporting students, staff, and families through instructional leadership, teacher support, and student achievement initiatives. I am also excited to continue strengthening school culture through student leadership opportunities, restorative practices, and increased student engagement programs. ” Please join me in welcoming Alexis Boyadjian to his new role at Medea Creek Middle School. Best, Anais Wenn Superintendent

Wednesday, May 13 2026

Leadership Appointments Announced for the 2026–2027 ...

Dear OPUSD Families, I am pleased to share two leadership appointments announced earlier this evening at the Board of Education’s April 21, 2026, meeting. Samantha Gottlieb has been appointed Principal of Oak Hills Elementary School. She brings over 20 years of experience in education and has been part of OPUSD since 2015, currently serving as Assistant Principal at Medea Creek Middle School. Her background includes ten years in elementary education in New Jersey, where she worked as a first-grade teacher, literacy coach, and vice principal. At Medea Creek, she has led key areas of school operations, including student discipline, master scheduling, teacher evaluation, attendance systems, and campus safety. She has also supported instructional programs and helped expand student opportunities. Her experience reflects a strong foundation in elementary instruction, literacy, and school leadership. Dr. Yuliya Eisenberg has been appointed Assistant Principal of Oak Park High School. She brings 20 years of experience in education across teaching, instructional coaching, and site leadership. She currently serves as Administrator of Alternative Education programs in Conejo Valley Unified School District, where she oversees independent study and alternative programs and leads systems that support student achievement, attendance, and engagement. Her experience includes leading WASC accreditation, developing coordinated supports for academic and social-emotional growth, and guiding professional development aligned to instructional priorities. She has also served as a founding high school principal and assistant principal, building comprehensive high school programs and supporting instructional leadership. In addition, she has worked as an instructional coach and adjunct professor at Pepperdine University. Both leaders bring experience in supporting students, working with staff, and leading systems that contribute to strong school communities. We are confident they will build on the foundations already in place at their respective schools. Thank you to all who participated in these selection processes. Your input helped inform these decisions. Please join me in welcoming Ms. Gottlieb and Dr. Eisenberg to their new roles. Sincerely, Anais Wenn Superintendent

Wednesday, Apr 22 2026