It is with sadness that the Rowland Unified School District Board of Education received the resignations of Board Members Lynne Ebenkamp and Angelena Pride at last night's January 21, 2021 Board Meeting. Ebenkamp, who has served on the Board since 2013, resigned effective January 31, 2021 due to an unexpected family opportunity to relocate out of State, thus leaving the District. Simultaneously but unconnected in any way, Pride, who has also served on the Board since 2013, announced that her last day of service will be on February 28, 2021. Her resignation is due to increasing professional responsibilities during these difficult times and conflicts between her role as a Board member and her employment.
“On behalf of the Board of Education and our entire Rowland Unified community, I want to express our deep appreciation and gratitude for the incredible commitment and dedication that these two oustanding individuals have given to our students, staff, parents and community for more than seven years as Board members and many more years as community volunteers,” said Superintendent Dr. Julie Mitchell. “Each has left a legacy of educational excellence, professional integrity and community service. Their positive impact will not soon be forgotten.”
Ebenkamp, an over 50-year resident of Rowland Heights and community icon, has been involved in many advisory groups and neighborhood councils. In addition to serving as a School Board Member, she was co-chair, committee member and a past Grand Marshal of the Buckboard Days Parade. She was also a past Board Member of the Friends of Rowland Unified Schools Foundation (FOR US). “I love this community and I am so proud of the work this Board continues to do to support the heart of our community – our children. Rowland Unified will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve on the Board of the best school district in California,” said Ebenkamp.
Pride, an active community member and an involved RUSD parent leader, served as a parent representative on many school and District councils, and was President of the Raider Huddle Club and a founding member of the Raider Education Foundation. As a Board Member, she is committed to transparency and open communication with the community and is an advocate for the arts and preparing students for college and the workforce. “Serving our community in this role has been a great honor and I appreciate everyone’s support and willingness to push our work forward," said Pride. "I am so blessed to be able to help make a difference in the lives of our future leaders and to work with colleagues who have a shared vision to do what is best for kids.”