Longtime SLO County school board member dies. ‘We were lucky to have known him’
Longtime Lucia Mar Unified School District trustee Vern Dahl has died, the South County school district confirmed Monday afternoon.
“The Lucia Mar Unified School District family is very sad to hear of the passing of Board of Education Trustee Vern Dahl,” the district wrote in a statement. “Lucia Mar is better for having had Vern Dahl as a member of our Board of Education. Our hearts go out to Mr. Dahl’s family and friends.”
Dahl, 63, has served on the Lucia Mar board since 2010 and most recently won re-election in 2018. Dahl represented the Oceano area for the South County school district.
The district did not release details of when or how Dahl died.
“Trustee Dahl was an incredible champion for the students and staff of Lucia Mar Unified School District,” Lucia Mar Superintendent Dr. Paul Fawcett said. “He truly lived by our motto, ‘Our Kids First’ and worked tirelessly to frame his decision-making through that lens. Mr. Dahl’s warm and generous presence will be missed. We were lucky to have known him and benefited from his leadership.”
Prior to his election to the school board, Dahl served on the Oceano Community Services District Board, the Oceano Advisory Committee and the South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District board.
According to the district, Dahl was “committed to the students and the staff in Lucia Mar.”
“He spoke up for our less fortunate students, and our Independent Study Program,” the district said. “Mr. Dahl was dedicated to making sure the district was getting the most from every dollar. ... Above all, Mr. Dahl was incredibly proud of our students’ achievements.”
Board President Don Stewart added that Dahl was a “valued member of Team Lucia Mar.”
“He brought a unique perspective to the board and was a passionate advocate of anti-bullying measures in our district,” Stewart said. “He will be missed.”
Lucia Mar Unified School District spokeswoman Amy Jacobs said it is unknown at this time what action might be taken to fill Dahl’s seat for the remainder of his term, which is set to expire in 2022.
The Lucia Mar board is expected to meet as usual Tuesday night.
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