Dr. Jack Garvin, who served two decades on the SMJUHSD Board of Education, retired after the December 10th school board meeting.

For almost 67 years, Dr. Garvin mentored, tutored, advised, and has remained faithful to numerous students, teachers, staff, board members and superintendents. 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.

His interest in becoming part of the SMJUHSD Board of Education began when he was teaching at Chapman University. 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!’’ said Dr. Garvin. “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.”

Dr. Garvin 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,” Dr. Garvin recalled. “I played my guitar, and my fifth graders sang the school song. Admiral Nimitz and his wife were very touched!”

He 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, Dr. Garvin has always 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 councilman, Bob Orach and Ralph Sherwood.

He served as Chairman of the Citizens Committee that generated the Orcutt Community Plan and Vice-President of the Righetti Booster's Club. In addition, he 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."

Dr. 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 Dr. 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 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.”

Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Susan Salcido agreed adding, “Jack Garvin has been a steadfast advocate and a powerful voice for students, consistently addressing issues that truly make a difference in their lives. 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. 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 Washinton University and has a doctoral degree from Brigham Young University.

SMJUHSD Media Contact: Public Information Officer Kenny Klein
805-709-1454 or kklein@smjuhsd.org