Combs board elects Shelley Hargis president, names Lisa Horn clerk and appoints foundation representatives

The J O Combs Unified School District governing board reorganized leadership at a special meeting on Jan. 22, electing Shelley Hargis as board president and naming Lisa Horn board clerk.

Jason Beach nominated Shelley Hargis for president, praising her experience and "grit," and the board voted to elect her by voice vote, recorded as 4-0 in favor. The board then considered two nominees for clerk. After votes were tallied, Lisa Horn won the clerk position by a 3-1 vote.

Also during the meeting the board appointed Dr. Melissa Valenzuela and Jason Beach as the district's representatives to the Combs Education Foundation, a largely ex officio role that meets quarterly and includes business breakfasts that precede foundation board meetings. The motion to appoint the two representatives carried 4-0.

Board members and staff discussed the practical responsibilities of the foundation role and noted the foundation typically holds two business breakfasts (fall and spring) and two additional meetings that may be virtual. Staff described the foundation representative role as ex officio, meaning representatives attend to observe and report rather than to cast votes on foundation decisions.

Votes at a glance - Adopt agenda: Approved by voice vote, 4-0. - Board president: Shelley Hargis elected by voice vote, 4-0. - Board clerk: Lisa Horn elected, motion carried 3-1. - Combs Education Foundation representatives: Dr. Melissa Valenzuela and Jason Beach appointed, 4-0.

The board concluded the leadership and representative business and moved on to other governance items including meeting logistics and vendor choices for policy services. The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.