DIXON, CA (MPG) - “It was bittersweet to leave Dixon,” former Dixon School Board Trustee Melissa Maseda said from her new residence in Idaho where she grew up. “Dixon is a community that we loved, and I raised my kids there. They were the reason I first got on the School Board.” Maseda’s replacement is in the making, and she was honored at the June School Board Meeting.

“I felt like I did some good things,” she said. She talked of spending “more time than anyone” combing through the budget and making sure they were financially sound right from the start.

Prior to that first appointment, Maseda was a preschool teacher for 16 years and had been heavily involved in the children’s schools including organizing a District-wide art program at Gretchen Higgins and leading Parent Teacher Organizations. She was appointed in 2016 and won the elections for the next two terms.

Superintendent Brian Dolan spoke of his “affinity for the Maseda family” going way back when Dolan had Tom Maseda, Melissa’s husband, as a 9^th grader on his track team in Vacaville. Tom recently lost his battle with cancer.

“Some of the issues that Melissa has addressed have been extremely challenging such as cutting jobs,” Dolan said. “She has been one of the hardest working Board members I’ve ever seen. She showed up at everything and continued to participate in school events, more meetings, financing, and facilities and you know how important her family is for her,” he added and presented a glass plaque token of appreciation to her.

“I’m a better Superintendent for you working with me all this time and on behalf of every kid that came through DUSD, every family, every staff member and anyone who has benefited from your work, we give the most sincere thanks. You have made a difference and people are going to remember you at a level that everyone should aspire to,” Dolan told her.

Julie Mustard from the audience spoke for “at least 40 parents.” Mustard has known Melissa for 20 years after meeting when they had babies.

“You are the kindest and most patient person I’ve ever known and the most positive person anyone could ever come across,” she addressed Melissa.

“I’ve witnessed her commitment to her family, her faith, her community, to the schools and to this Board position. She has volunteered in every class and coordinated every event and coordinated huge enrichment programs. She has been highly praised by the School Board. She has led by example. All while facing a personal crisis in her own life. We wish you all the happiness you deserve,” she added.

“I didn’t have involved parents when I was growing up,” Melissa responded.” I was that kid that sat there and saw the other kids’ parents come in and help. I am a mother of four and I knew my kids were always going to be okay, but it was for the children who didn’t have that parent,” she said through tears.

She reminded all present that none of those things really matter because when she leaves Dixon, what will matter is how people will feel.

“I’m hearing a lot of complaints and they are valid and important, and all are part of making the system better, but my advice is to see and tell the good as well,” she said. “There is so much bad around us but there is so much good in this town. There are hardworking teachers and parents…Thank the involved parents. They don’t get enough recognition for all the things they do, and it’s important for the District to recognize their hard work. You can have differences and disagreements and still be kind.”

She ended by thanking everyone who has supported her and teared up again saying she was grateful for her husband who watched their children while she attended meetings and events.

Melissa’s term would have expired in 2024 but for personal reasons, she returned to her home roots in Idaho. A replacement for the remainder of her term will be screened on July 13, 6 p.m. and will be chosen by the Board of Trustees at the July 20 meeting in the Council Chambers at 600 East A St.