LB School Board Member Resigns

The following press statement was issued Wednesday afternoon by Long Beach Unified's public information officer Chris Eftychiou:

David Barton Resigns from School Board

Long Beach Unified School District Board of Education member David
Barton has announced his resignation from the school board.

Barton was first elected in 2006 to represent LBUSD's District 5,
which includes Millikan and Lakewood high schools, along with surrounding
elementary and middle schools.  He ran unopposed for a second four-year
term in 2010 and most recently was serving as the board's vice
president.

Barton notified both LBUSD Superintendent Christopher J. Steinhauser
and Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Arturo Delgado of his
resignation "for reasons of health" effective immediately.  The
notification was dated Jan. 22 and was received today at LBUSD's Board
of Education office.

Because Barton's term does not expire until 2014, the Board of
Education must begin taking steps to fill the vacancy for the remainder
of the term.  The school board will discuss the matter at its next
regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

"David has served with distinction on the school board," said LBUSD
Board of Education President Felton Williams.  "Together we have
navigated extremely difficult times that have included unprecedented
cuts in state funding, yet we have maintained our focus on improving
student achievement.  David's leadership in this regard will be
missed."

"David has played an integral role here," Superintendent
Steinhauser said.  "His calm, thoughtful leadership has contributed
much to our success.  We thank him for his service, and we wish him all
the best."