Dr. P Returns to SVUSD: What It Means for Students, Parents, and Teachers

(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — His name is familiar in classrooms, campuses and community conversations. Now Dr. Stephen Pietrolungo, known affectionately to many as “Dr. P”, is returning to serve as trustee for Area D on the Simi Valley Unified School District board.

On July 28, following a public interview process, Pietrolungo was provisionally appointed to fill a seat vacated earlier this summer. He will serve through December 2026.

A longtime educator and former principal, Pietrolungo described public schools as places where all students can grow, from embracing failure to experiencing breakthroughs. “I live in this community. I believe in this community,” he told the board. “What you see is what you get. I’m someone who rolls up his sleeves and gets to work.”

Pietrolungo emphasized that trustees should set policy, not micromanage day-to-day operations. He praised SVUSD’s career technical education pathways (CTE), including woodshop and agriculture, while stressing the importance of academic rigor via AP and IB classes. “Encourage kids to take AP environmental science and agriculture,” he said. “These programs go hand in hand.”

He urged the board to beautify campuses, elevate district branding, and showcase student success to attract families. Addressing financial realities, he said, “If we pursue another bond, the public has to see a clear plan with real impact. We need to get the most bang for our buck.”

He also spoke about the importance of welcoming school environments, innovation through partnerships, and the challenges ahead as SVUSD navigates declining enrollment and tight budgets. “We better use those limited resources and plan accordingly,” he said.

Pietrolungo was one of five finalists interviewed by trustees. The other applicants were Don Brodt, Sharon Porter, Elizabeth Lareva, and James Greenfield.

Brodt, who earned 46% of the Area D vote in the 2022 election, emphasized civic education, policy transparency, and resource management. A father and community volunteer, he described education as the most powerful way to impact lives long-term.

Porter, a classroom teacher for decades across SVUSD schools, underscored her record of service and advocacy. She discussed her leadership on PTAs, student engagement projects, and a statewide resolution she authored about child trafficking. Under district policy, had she been selected, she would have been required to resign from her teaching job.

Lareva, a pediatric nurse and local parent, spoke about expanding dual-language immersion programs and ensuring families feel heard and involved. She shared her experience navigating school choices as a mother of young children.

Greenfield offered an outside perspective and highlighted his community focus, suggesting ways the district might better promote its offerings and attract families. Several candidates touched on the impact artificial intelligence is having on education and the workplace, and how SVUSD should prepare students to thrive in a changing world.

As discussion began, trustees said the decision had become more difficult than anticipated. Trustee Kareem Jubran praised each candidate’s thoughtfulness before endorsing Pietrolungo. “Dr. P is someone who listens to the people around him and tries to implement strategies to make that happen,” he said. “He’s experienced, and he brings knowledge we can’t teach.”

Trustee Dawn Smollen said each applicant brought something valuable, but she focused on what the board currently lacks. “I’m trying to find the strengths that fit where we are,” she said. “Out of the two that would fit that bill, my recommendation is Dr. Pietrolungo.” She made the motion to appoint him.

Trustee Mike James, who joined the board more recently, seconded the motion and reflected on the creativity shown by candidates. “From combining high science with digging in the dirt,” he said, “sometimes the answer comes from two odd couples.”

Trustee Ron Resnick, who praised both Brodt and Porter, cast the lone dissenting vote. He pointed to Brodt’s previous campaign and said, “He did get 46% of the vote when he ran for the same seat… there’s value in looking outside the system.”

SVUSD’s announcement of Pietrolungo’s appointment drew more than 200 public comments by early Tuesday, many applauding his return to district leadership. With the 2025–26 school year beginning August 14, Pietrolungo will have just days to get to work as students return to campuses across the city.

A recording of the full board meeting is available for public viewing on the Simi Valley Unified School District meeting portal.