Former School Board President Wood Honored

When Charles B. Wood II abruptly resigned as the Governing Board President, many were surprised and saddened.

After all, he had served on the board for more than 20 years, giving his service to a myriad of different roles and responsibilities. In fact, before Thursday night’s school board meeting, many were not even able to give him a proper farewell.

“We didn’t really have much of an opportunity to wish him the best and to honor him for the many years of service that he has provided to Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District and its students,” said Pat Shamansky, current School Board President.

Throughout his career on the board, Wood served as the chairperson of the Finance Committee, chairperson of the student discipline committee, a member of the Human Resources Committee, and member of the FSUSD and City of Fairfield joint committee.Wood resigned from the school board last August to enter radiation treatment for cancer. He has since recovered.

“Chuck has an everlasting passion for and belief in public education. He always have and continues to be one of the most revered and respected members of our community,” said Shamansky. “He's been an outstanding board member and colleague."

The board presented Wood with a special engraved gavel as well as a certificate for appreciation of services as board president. He also received honors from field representative Don Lowrie on behalf of the office of Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada.

“I don’t have a single regret,” said Wood. "I’ve been very gratified to be involved in an organization that educates 24,000 kids every day. I can’t think of anything more important than shaping 24,000 young minds everyday, so I feel very honored to have been able to do that."

Board Member Susan Heumphreus was also honored for her service to the school board. Heumphreus resigned, attending her last governing board meeting for the district earlier than expected, due to her relocating to Placerville County.

“You have shared so many challenges with us in the last four years at many of our board meetings, but also some triumphs, too,” said Shamansky to Heumphreus. “I hope that you will take that with you and we will remember you for all the times that you have given us certainly a different perspective on things and sincerely have caused us to stop, take a moment, think about what we we’re doing, and have a discussion about the decision we were making.”