Suzanne Kitchens becomes new president of school boards association

Pleasant Valley School District board member Suzanne Kitchens is the new president of the California School Boards Association. Delegates from the association elected her to the post at its annual convention this month.

A native Californian and Ventura County resident, she served for more than 20 years as a volunteer in the Pleasant Valley district, where her three daughters graduated, before winning election to the school board in 2000; she has served as board president.

An accountant who owns a tax business, she has also chaired CSBA’s Finance and Audit Committees. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business and a master’s degree in Business Administration from CSU-Dominguez Hills.

“In this year of the pandemic, CSBA leaders have worked hard to help every board member and give them quality resources. In 2021, we will continue to advocate for public education and to provide tools and services for board members at every level of continuous learning,” Kitchens said.

Joining Kitchens on CSBA’s 2021 Executive Committee are President-elect Susan Heredia of Natomas Unified and Vice President Susan Markarian of the Pacific Elementary School District. Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez of Azusa Unified will serve as immediate past president.