At tonight’s Evergreen Public Schools Board meeting, Tuesday, December 11, Board President Todd Yuzuriha announced his resignation from the governing body effective February 13, 2019. After more than ten years of service, Yuzuriha said he must now focus on family health issues. 

Appointed to Director District Four in 2008 and elected in 2009, 2011, and 2015, Yuzuriha joined the Board during the height of the recession.  Despite needing to make over $25 million in budget cuts over three years, the district was able to protect teaching positions and became one of the first districts in the state of offer all-day, every day kindergarten at every elementary school.  Through all the highs and lows, he remained a champion for student achievement and pushed the Board to ensure students had 21st Century skills, curriculum and opportunities.

Yuzuriha has been part of the Board that has eliminated elementary school supply lists and fees for sports and extra-curricular activities as well as authorizing the transition to 1:1 devices supported with a significant investment in digital curriculum.  He is proud the district was able to build Henrietta Lacks Health and Bioscience High School by taking advantage of federal stimulus funds without requiring the taxpayers to pass a bond.  Yuzuriha is grateful for the tremendous courage and action by the district, staff, community, and local and state governments to recover quickly from the Crestline Elementary School fire.  He also played a major role in the crafting of the $695 million capital bond measure that passed last February, that will rebuild eight schools, add a new elementary school, and provide substantial upgrades to nearly every other school in the district.  He is a retired technology engineering executive, but is also a supporter for the performing arts in schools, including playing his trumpet in concerts and musicals throughout the district.

The Board formally accepted Yuzuriha’s resignation at tonight’s Board meeting and then discussed a process for appointing his replacement by the time he leaves his position in February.