Message from the Board
by David Zebrack
The 2024-2025 school year marks the end of my three-year term as Chairman of the Los Encinos School Board of Trustees. As I look back on all we have accomplished, it fills me with the deepest gratitude for my fellow board members, our incredible school administration (led by Ilene Reinfeld and Jonathan Beckmann), our exemplary faculty & staff, and of course, the parent body, whose active participation and generosity of spirit and giving drives everything.
I am especially heartened to see our new strategic plan taking root across so many areas of our school life and programs. From meaningful cross-grade programs unique to the Los Encinos experience (ASL-American Sign Language Program) to nurturing community partnerships that connect our students with the world beyond our campus, we exceed our ambitious goals every year.
Click here to view the school’s most recent seven-year strategic plan.
Our success in attracting and retaining passionate, mission-driven educators, and our commitment to safeguarding the school’s fiscal health, preparing us for challenges and new opportunities to fulfill our mission and promise to our community, are two such success stories.
Just as significant, last year under Ilene’s skillful leadership the Administration and Board completed a new 7 year accreditation with the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and we negotiated and executed a significant lease extension with our landlord (St. Nicholas of Myra Church) on a large portion of the campus for an additional 30 years of term.
My wife, Christine, and I have been personal beneficiaries of Los Encinos School’s recipe for success, as we saw our children, Chloe and Ben, graduate in 2013 and 2015, respectively. We know first-hand what an extraordinary gift it is to have Los Encinos School serve as the foundation for our children’s educational journeys and lifelong love of learning. LES is a place where curiosity is nurtured, individuality is celebrated, and the seeds of that passion for learning are thoughtfully planted.
(left to right) The ZeBrack Family: Ben, David, Christine, and Chloe.
The warmth of this community, the dedication of the faculty, and the school’s unwavering commitment to both academic excellence and social-emotional growth create a truly transformative environment. LES is not just a school— it is a launchpad for confident, compassionate, and capable young people who find their voice and become empowered to make a meaningful impact in the world.
As I step away from my day-to-day role as Board Chair, I am thrilled by the fact that I’ll be handing over the reins to my friend and fellow alumni parent, Angie Shellow. Her history with the school is similar to mine (Angie & Doug’s children, Bryce and Alex, graduated in 2013 and 2016, respectively), so I know Angie will bring a strong, consistent commitment to seeing the school continue on its upward trajectory. Plus, I will remain on the Board as a member of the executive team for at least another year to help with the transition.
Last, but certainly not least, we welcome Gail Silverton to the Board, our newest trustee and proud grandmother to two incoming students; and we bid a fond farewell to Jill Namm and John Rubeli who are stepping down this year. Thank you both for the time, energy, and insight that you have given so generously.
Sincerely,
David ZeBrack
Outgoing Board Chair