Cypress School District Trustee Candi Kern has been recognized with the prestigious Marian Bergeson Award by the Orange County School Boards Association. The accolade is presented annually to a trustee who has provided outstanding governing board and community service to promote and enhance public education.
The late Marian Bergeson was a former Orange County school board member and the first woman to serve in both Houses of the California Legislature. Bergeson also served as Secretary of Education and on the State Board of Education in the 1990s.
For over 10 years, Trustee Kern has provided outstanding service to the Cypress School District as a member of the Board of Trustees. In addition to her leadership within the district, she has been elected to serve four consecutive two-year terms on the California School Boards Association (CSBA) Delegate Assembly which sets policy direction for the association and ensures that it reflects the interests of school districts and county offices of education throughout the state.
Trustee Kern also serves on the planning committee for the CSBA Annual Education Conference, an event attended by nearly 1,000 member agencies each year. Most recently, she was appointed by the Orange County School Boards Association to serve as ETC Committee Chair where she is responsible for facilitating meetings on timely educational topics of importance to Orange County school board members.
“It is a sincere privilege to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Cypress School District. Many of the prior Marian Bergeson Award honorees are role models of mine, and I am humbled to be in their company. The trustees in Orange County are top notch, and I am grateful to be part of such a wonderful group dedicated to the students of our county.”
Beyond her service as a school board member, Trustee Kern has advocated for student interests and public education through her long-time involvement in PTA. Over the years, she has held numerous PTA leadership positions, including President of Orange County Fourth District PTA. She is also a recipient of the Golden Oak Award, the highest honor given by California State PTA for an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to the welfare of children in the school community.
“Candi has dedicated not only her time and energy but her heart and soul to supporting public education at every level. The depth of her leadership, commitment, and service to schools makes her most deserving of the Marian Bergeson Award!” said Anne Silavs, Cypress School District Superintendent.
