The Conejo Valley Unified School District Board of Education has named its new president: Pat Phelps.

Phelps has served as president twice before since being elected to the board in 1998. Tim Stephens held the position for the past year.

“It’s been a tough year in many ways with the charter school, budget issues and the superintendent search we didn’t necessarily see coming. He’s done a great job,” said Phelps of Stephens.

Board member Mike Dunn agreed.

“In my five years on the board, this has been my favorite,” Dunn said. “We are working as a team. You can feel the camaraderie.”

Stephens wouldn’t take all the credit for helping the board work better together.

“I think this year has been very successful,” Stephens said. “We really had a lot of opportunities for dialogue. I think the superintendent can take a lot of credit for bringing us together to work better this year than we ever have before.”

Superintendent Mario Contini said Stephens showed “tremendous leadership” over the last year.

“Dr. Stephens has been an amazing board president,” Contini said. “He has true passion and loyalty to this district. It’s been an honor to sit next to him.”

Phelps currently serves on the executive board for Conejo Council and the 12th District PTA. She also sits on the boards of the Tricounty Education Coalition and the Ventura County School Boards Association.

Peggy Buckles was named vice president, and Betsy Connolly is the new clerk of the board.

Board meetings will continue to be on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m., with a few exceptions.

For more information, visit www.conejo.k12.ca.us.