School Board Member Decides Against 6th Term

Dora Padilla, a school board member for two decades, has decided to not seek a sixth term in November.

For much of her time on the board, Padilla has been one of the school district’s chief cheerleaders. “It has been very rewarding and very special,” she said.

Padilla said that with her husband’s recent retirement she wants to slow down a little and practice her golf game. “I’ve got to get better so I can beat him,” she said.

Reflecting on her tenure, she said her proudest moments include the successful efforts in recent years to secure state funding for major face lifts at Alhambra and San Gabriel high schools.

Among those seeking to replace Padilla will be Councilwoman Barbara Messina, who has filed papers to run for the school board. Messina has served two consecutive terms on the council, the maximum allowed under city law.