Retired District Administrator Chosen Unanimously to Serve on Moreno Valley Unified School Board

The Moreno Valley Unified School District School Board is complete again after four members unanimously chose a fifth, Patrick W. Kelleher, to serve the remainder of the term vacated by long-time member Tracey B. Vackar, who was elected to the Riverside Community College District governing board in November 2014. Kelleher’s selection followed a lengthy, public process involving seven applicants for the vacant position. Each applicant was allowed 30 minutes in open session to respond to a scripted list of questions. Following the interview process, the School Board opened up the floor to public comment. After deliberating the merits of candidates, again in public session, the Board unanimously agreed that Kelleher is best suited to serve. While Kelleher is new to school board service, he has a lengthy record of experience in education, most of it at MVUSD, having served here as principal at all levels, as interim assistant superintendent for Educational Services and in administration at the Riverside County Office of Education. In retirement, he has continued to serve as an interim administrator at MVUSD, most recently as interim principal at Palm Middle School. In addition, Kelleher understands MVUSD from a parent’s perspective, as his three children attended and graduated here. “Pat Kelleher has done it all,” said School Board President Gary E. Baugh. “There’s no learning curve for him when it comes to education matters. He knows our school district inside and out, and he has a big heart for students. He’s respected as an educator, and will be equally respected as a member of the School Board.” Kelleher’s term expires in 2016.