Replaced by Gulenist Saken Sherkhanov, 3 vacancies need to be filled on the board. The word is Caprice Young is on the hunt for non-Gulenists to fill in the board. Will she find them? So far most community leaders in Los Angeles have stayed away except for 1 controversial Rabbi, who we are sure will be used at the board meeting for renewal. Good Luck Caprice Young, you probably would have better luck if people thought Magnolia Science Academy was a good school. No one wants to be associated with a school associated with the Gulen Movement terrorist organization full of controversy. Hopefully you find the replacements, but chances are you will have to chose an uneducated parent that bought the KoolAid that their kid is being taught by scholars. http://www.MagnoliaScienceAcademy.blogspot.com

1. News and Announcements
Announcement of New MPS Board Chair
Dear Magnolia Community,
I wanted to share some bittersweet news regarding leadership changes on our board of
directors at the last board meeting on July 13, 2017. Noël Russell-Unterburger has stepped
down from the Magnolia Public Schools board of directors. Ms. Russell-Unterburger originally
came to join the Magnolia family 11 years ago as a parent of two students at MSA 4, and
dedicated her time, professional experience and talents to help their school thrive. During
the last five years, she has devoted herself to board service, including serving as the board
chairperson for the past year. As one of the most respected non-profit organization financial
executives in Southern California, her wisdom, integrity, and credibility brought us through
eleven renewals, the State Audit, a major bond issuance, the reconstruction of our internal
policies and practices, and a myriad of other improvements. She has honored us with her
consistent advocacy on behalf of the schools, staff, students, and parents.
The board voted to appoint as president longtime board member Saken Sherkhanov. Our
leadership team is very excited to work in partnership with our former Magnolia teacher,
who will increase the board’s focus on academic success.
Dr. Sherkhanov, a CalTech graduate with a doctorate from UCLA, joined Magnolia in 2003.
While serving as a physical science and biology teacher for five years, he helped to develop
the curriculum for physical and life sciences courses. He also worked to introduce advanced
math, science, and engineering programs, as well as creating the Advanced Placement
program in MSA schools. Mr. Sherkhanov’s experience and commitment to Magnolia will
serve our whole community well in his new role as board chair.
With three board seats currently vacant, the board continues to seek people to serve on our
board of directors. We hope to recruit our new board members from our own Magnolia
School community – including parents, alumni, community stakeholders and Magnolia
champions – to continue our commitment to diversify and ensure our board reflects the
communities we serve. Please feel free to forward any nominations for board membership to
Barbara Torres (btorres@magnoliapublicschools.org) who will forward them to the members
of the Governance/Nominating Committee.
We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Ms. Russell-Unterburger for her tireless
service and wish her well in her future endeavors. Her unwavering commitment to education
and serving our region’s youth is inspiring.
As always, please feel free to contact me at cyoung@magnoliapublicschools.org if you have
any questions.
All my best,
Dr. Caprice Young
CEO & Superintendent, Magnolia Public Schools