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# Board gets new boss
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/board-gets-new-boss/
- Published: 2007-12-15T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T04:25:00.000Z
- Author: Melody Hanatani
- Tags: Education, Pico, #archive-import

received his medical degree and doctorate degree in health economics from the University of Pennsylvania while finishing up his residency at Stanford University.

“My goal is to be a good leader and help Oscar lead the board and make sure we get through the launching of Measure BB construction projects and the Measure R renewal and, really, continuing to work together more as a board and with the superintendent, and continuing moving forward with the district,” said Escarce.

Escarce notes that one of the key issues that will come up in the next year is the budgetary situation in the state capital, something he expects will impact the school district.

A product of the Santa Monica- Malibu Unified School District, de la Torre was a former counselor at Santa Monica High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from the California State University, Chico and his master’s in public administration from the University of Texas. An advocate for leveling the playing field for minority and economically disadvantaged youth in the district, de la Torre is the founder and executive director of the Pico Youth & Family Center.

“I think our number one goal is to work toward creating a world class public education system, and that requires considerable local support, which includes the passage of Measure R in February,” de la Torre said on Friday, alluding to the parcel tax renewal measure. “Personally, my goal is to build partnership for the benefit of youth in school and after school, and that is my commitment to the children and the young people of Santa Monica and Malibu.”

Before the two Santa Monicans were elected as board officers, school board members went around the dais thanking Wisnicki and de la Torre for their dedication during the year as president and vice president.

Superintendent Dianne Talarico started the love fest by talking of how Wisnicki welcomed the new superintendent when she came to the district last year, securing housing and driving Talarico to pick up her rental car.

“I very much admire and respect you for your leadership,” Talarico said. “I feel very close to you even though we have had to have some very difficult conversations.

“You provided me with the critical feedback that helped me further develop my leadership skills.”

Board members praised de la Torre’s dedication to serving the historically underserved population in Santa Monica and Malibu.

“You’re always focused on the child and what’s best for them,” said board member Kelly Pye. “I think that always comes out very clearly.”

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 15, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/121507.pdf?ref=smdp.com)