Stavlo chosen for school board vacancy

Mammoth Unified School District’s Board of Education conducted interviews with three candidates Thursday afternoon to fill the seat opened by the resignation last month of late former Board member Dr. Andrew Bourne.

The Board dedicated almost two hours to grill the candidates with a variety of questions regarding their attributes, vision, challenges and other criteria.

John Stavlo submitted a resume that included not only extensive technical and business background, but also some previous teaching and mentoring experience. The father of three children worked with members of the Armed Forces, counseling service members on higher education options. He also taught continuing education to employees at TRW, and upon moving to Mammoth full time, was hired as a contractor to help students with independent studies in Algebra and Calculus.

Andrea Revy O’Connell is a parent to three children, including one 8th grader currently in Mammoth Middle School. Her experience in the education system runs the gamut from independent elementary and secondary schools to large public high schools and top universities. Her resume features extensive money management experience in portfolio management, particularly for public agencies and state pension plans. She’s handled up to $5 billion for various clients.

Dr. Melvyn M. Lewin, PhD, has considerable Clinical Psychology  experience, including a private practice in Southern California, and Inyo and Mono counties. He previously served as a School Psychologist in the Torrance Unified School District, a consultant for Deep Springs College in Dyer, Nev., and is currently a consultant for the Palos Verdes Unified School District. He has also coached MUSD teachers in “Teaching With the Brain in Mind.” He holds a Bachelors in Psychology, and Master and Doctorate degrees in Counselor Education.

The Board selected John Stavlo late Thursday night during its regular monthly meeting. According to MUSD Superintendent Rich Boccia, Stavlo will next attend a study session on March 6 to bring him up to speed on current issues and projects, as well as meeting methodology, etc.

Stavlo is to be sworn in at the next regular meeting on March 22.