Outgoing LTA president Denise Bolton thanks board; Sylvia Ortiz named new union president

Denise Bolton addressed the Lawndale Elementary School District Board of Trustees during the public-comment period to announce that she is no longer president of the Lawndale Teachers Association and to introduce the union’s new president, Sylvia Ortiz. Bolton said she was “honored I was to work with you all for almost 20 years as president” and thanked the board and district leaders for their collaboration. She added that Sylvia Ortiz, “who is from Adams,” is the new LTA president and that Ortiz “has a really great attitude” and looks forward to working with district leaders. Trustees and Superintendent Castro thanked Bolton for her years of service and for working with administration on matters that the trustee said helped avert escalation of personnel issues. Trustee Burris thanked her “for all that you've done for your union and your teachers,” and Trustee Rudolph said Bolton had been a regular presence and would be missed. The board president read Board Bylaw 9323 aloud to clarify public-comment timing before Bolton spoke; the bylaw sets a three-minute limit per speaker and a 20-minute total limit for public input on each item. No board action was taken on matters raised during Bolton’s remarks.