Dr. Jack Garvin, who served two decades on the Santa Maria Joint Union School District (SMJUHSD) Board of Education, retired after the Dec. 10 School Board meeting.
“For almost 67 years, Garvin mentored, tutored, advised, and has remained faithful to numerous students, teachers, staff, board members and superintendents,” the School District said. “He used both his common sense and his plain talk to make sure elected officials, as well as the public, knew the reality facing the SMJUHSD.”
Garvin’s interest in becoming part of the SMJUHSD Board of Education began when he was teaching at Chapman University.
He said the students he had assigned to attend the board meetings would return to class with mixed reactions.
“I decided that the board needed my help,’’ Garvin said. “And now, some 20 years later and a thousand board meetings later, I am stepping down.
“Retired people have the time and the insights either as a parent or an interested citizen to become involved. This position is about understanding what education is. It keeps you engaged, works your mind, and offers unique challenges.
“With retirement, you have the time for public service. Bring your wisdom, insights, and energy to the task and make a difference.”
Garvin said he loves to think back on his career. He recalled a “brush with fame” when he was a new teacher in 1957 at Chester Nimitz School in the Cupertino School District.
“It was a special day honoring Admiral Nimitz. He and his wife visited my classroom, and we sang and dedicated our school song ‘Old Rattler’ to them,” Garvin recalled. “I played my guitar, and my fifth-graders sang the school song. Admiral Nimitz and his wife were very touched.”
Garvin quickly moved through the educational ranks. In 1979, he began his 19 years of service as the superintendent of the Orcutt Union School District.
While serving on the SMJUHSD Board, Garvin has been a well-known figure in the educational community. He held a regular monthly informal breakfast meeting in Buellton, bringing together local and county educational leaders.
Community activities ranged from former Kiwanis president, (Santa Maria Noontime), to being co-founder of Santa Maria Soccer along with former City Councilmember Bob Orach and Ralph Sherwood.
He served as chair of the citizens committee that generated the Orcutt Community Plan and vice president of the Righetti Booster’s Club.
Garvin was elected director of the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce, and as a co-owner of Salon Studio 23, along with wife Inge, received the first chamber award for Small Business of Year.
Garvin was recognized in 2012 for his educational work and received the inaugural Retired Administrator the Year Award.
The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) honored Garvin for not stopping his life’s dedication to education. He also received the prestigious Ferd Kiesel Award for exemplary service as a superintendent.
“Dr. Garvin has devoted his life to improving student learning and well-being for the betterment of our community,’’ said SMJUHSD Superintendent Antonio Garcia. “His wisdom and experience as a long-time educational leader helped guide our school district’s governance team during his tenure on the board.
“Dr. Garvin’s retirement from the School Board is a momentous milestone reflective of a lifetime of dedicated service to our community. He will be missed.”
“Jack Garvin has been a steadfast advocate and a powerful voice for students, consistently addressing issues that truly make a difference in their lives,” said Susan Salcido, Santa Barbara County Schools superintendent.
“His distinguished career, both as a former superintendent in Orcutt and a respected leader across our county, has earned him numerous prestigious awards and highest accolades,” she said. “But what stands out most to me about Jack is his genuine passion for service and his unique talent for bringing people together.
“He’s a can-do, will-do person, always ready to lend a hand, whether it’s organizing school board workshops or supporting educators and school leaders in their work.
“Jack’s contributions are remarkable, and his legacy of service will continue to inspire us all. I wish him the very best in his retirement and adventures ahead.”
Dr. Garvin, who is 89 years old, attended Central Washington University and has a doctoral degree from Brigham Young University.