PUSD says goodbye to two leaders
By Debra Moore
“I apologize that the weather didn’t have this in person so we could honor two people tonight,” said Plumas Unified School District Superintendent Bill Roderick, who was at the school district office in Quincy, while the board trustees and administrators were dispersed throughout the district due to weather.
The Nov. 9 meeting was held via Zoom and even though the two honorees were in Chester, heartfelt accolades reached them from Quincy.
“I’m going to speak of the excellent work that Lisa Cavin has done. She came in as the CBO (Chief Business Officer) at what weren’t great times,” Roderick said. “She set this district up to be fiscally sound.”
Cavin is leaving Plumas Unified to take a position with Santa Rosa City schools; she sent out a letter to all staff Monday of this week to alert them of her decision.
“As a new superintendent coming in, I was very comforted knowing that I had a seasoned, well-qualified CBO,” Roderick said. He thanked Cavin for her service.
Trustee Leslie Edlund said, “I want to echo that I am extremely grateful to Lisa.” She commended Cavin on making the finances of the district easy to understand.
An emotional Cavin responded and said, “It has been such an honor and amazing experience. There aren’t words to describe the last seven years.” She said that “we’ve been through a lot of good and a lot of difficult times. You have given me the opportunity of a lifetime.”
But Cavin wasn’t the only individual attending her last school board meeting for Plumas Unified. The November meeting marked the last for its board president, Traci Holt. Holt has served two four-year terms representing the Lake Almanor Basin, initially taking the oath of office on Dec. 10, 2014.
Trustee Edlund described Holt as smart, kind, thorough and engaged. Edlund discussed Holt’s leadership through some very difficult times, including the pandemic. “Her commitment is deep and her heart stands with the kids of PUSD,” Edlund said. “I will truly miss you.”
Holt told her fellow board members that “it’s been an honor and a privilege to serve.” She discussed some highlights such as the passage of Measure B and the work that was accomplished on the various school sites.
“I do not think people really understand the role of the board member – our passion lies with doing what’s right for students,” she said. She estimated that since her first board meeting, she has attended over 400-plus meetings, not to mention texts, emails and phone calls. She thanked everyone for their support during her tenure on the board.
