Trustee Area No. 1
Liz Phillips was elected to the Orcutt Union School District Board of Trustees during the 2012-2013 school year. She was raised in New York and moved to California in 1974. Liz graduated from Long Beach State University with a major in Social Work and continued her education at Loyola Marymount University with a major in Counseling Psychology. She is married to Greg who works in the agricultural field as an organic vegetable grower. Liz and Greg have two children, Katlin and Matt, who attended schools in the Orcutt Union School District.
Liz was first introduced to the Orcutt Union School District as a parent/volunteer in the classroom. Her involvement increased when she became the PTA president for Joe Nightingale School for two years. She enjoyed her involvement with PTA so much that she then became the vice-president of the Lakeview Junior High PTA. Liz was hired as a Title I teacher at Joe Nightingale and worked closely with the classroom teacher providing support to students. That role eventually lead to becoming a substitute teacher in the district and allowed her to experience the different school sites and become familiar with students, community and staff.
“Both my children and I have experienced an amazing educational experience in the Orcutt Union School District. I want to ensure the best educational experience for the students, staff, and community. I will work very hard to continue the high quality of student success to the district. I believe in the district’s mission of Kids Come First.”
Liz has worked for Allan Hancock Community College since 2005 as the Coordinator of Recruitment Services. She continues to enjoy her role in the educational field and looks forward to her new role as Trustee.
Trustee Area No. 2
Lisa Morinini was elected to the Orcutt Union School board during the 2016-2017 school year. She was raised in Coarsegold, California located in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Lisa graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. She is married to Dino Morinini who owns and operates an Italian Market and Deli in Santa Barbara. Lisa and Dino have 3 children, 2 who have previously attended schools in the Orcutt Union School District and 1 who is currently attending a school in the district.
Lisa has varied work experiences that she brings to the board. Currently, she is a teacher in the Santa Maria Bonita School District but has worked as an intern in the United States Senate for former Senator Pete Wilson, worked as a Registered Sales Assistant for Smith Barney, a Loan Officer for Transamerica Financial Services and a Realtor.
Lisa is dedicated to the district mission of Kids Come First and to ensuring that all students reach their highest potent
Trustee Area No. 3
Mark Steller is a newly elected member to the Orcutt Union School District Board of Trustees in this past November election of 2018. Mark has thirty-seven years’ management experience; twenty-three with Longs Drug Stores and fourteen as owner-operator of Old Town Market here in Old Orcutt. Mark is deeply involved in the local community where he serves as President of the Orcutt Merchants Association and on the boards of many other community organizations including the Orcutt Christmas Parade and SOAAR. Mark believes that children are our nation’s future and that it is the responsibility of the entire community to make sure kids get a quality education in both academics and career enrichment.
Mark and his wife Wendy have been married for twenty-nine years and have four adult children, all graduates of Orcutt schools as is Mr. Steller. Mark has received special recognition as one of the top eighty graduates of Allan Hancock College and was awarded Northern Santa Barbara County Businessman of the year in 2014 by the California Assembly and the U. S. House of Representatives.
Trustee Area No. 4
Melanie Waffle was elected to the board of trustees during the 2018-2019 school year. She was raised and currently lives in in Orcutt, CA. Melanie and her husband of 17 years, Brian, are proud parents of children, Emma and Zane, currently attending schools in the Orcutt Union School District.
Melanie has been the Manager of her family business, Next Day Signs, for over 15 years. She holds BA degree in Social Science from Chapman University after attending Cal Poly and graduating from Allan Hancock College. She has coordinated a Non-Profit and was a CA State Certified Counselor focused on low income mothers.
Mrs. Waffle is a volunteer for the Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter and the Santa Barbara County Stand Down. She is a Board Member of SOAAR, also an active a chairperson on in the PTSA as well as previously serving on the Orcutt Youth Softball Association Board as Treasurer.
Melanie believes Public Education is where students grow into creative thinkers, learn the confidence needed to navigate life and are taught about what it takes to achieve personal goals. She is looking forward to serving the community in her role as Trustee.
Trustee Area No. 5
Shaun Henderson was elected to the Orcutt Union School District during the 2018-2019 school year. He born and raised in Torrance, California. He moved to Santa Maria in 1993 as the Store Manager of Montgomery Ward. Currently he works for Wells Fargo where he has worked in many business capacities. He is married to his wife Tiffany and they have two boys who have attended schools in the Orcutt Union School District and one girl who is enjoying 8th grade at Orcutt Junior High School.
Shaun is actively involved in the community having served on numerous non-profits boards, an active member at his local church and has also coached his children in sports in the community for over 19 years. Shaun believes his children have received a quality education and have enjoyed their time in this school district. He also believes in the mission of the school district that Kids Come First and wants to see our school district excel for years to come.
