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Board, community pay tribute as Mike Belmont retires after 12 years

Woodland Hills School District Board · November 20, 2025
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Summary

Board members, colleagues and community members delivered extended tributes to long-serving board member Mike Belmont, praising his mentorship, community involvement and steady presence; series of personal remarks and a family surprise were part of the meeting.

Board members and community speakers used a large portion of the meeting to honor Mike Belmont, who the board and several attendees said is retiring after long service.

Several trustees described Belmont as an "anchor" for the board, crediting him with institutional knowledge, calm under pressure and personal mentorship of new members. One board member said, "When I met Mike Belmont, he was already established in this board...he always answered" when others called in difficulty. Another added that Belmont "has shown his dedication, his tireless work on so many facets" of the district's work.

Family members presented a surprise tribute recounting nearly 40 years of connection to Woodland Hills — including youth sports, civic participation and teaching — and thanked Belmont for community service and leadership. The superintendent and other leaders offered thanks to teachers, principals and central administration for their roles, and multiple public commenters and coalition representatives also expressed gratitude for Belmont's long-term engagement.

Several departing trustees urged the board to continue prioritizing students and equity, with one noting a concern about diversity in gifted and honors programs and another urging protection of recess time for children. The meeting then moved into routine business and public comments.