Board Members
OUR MISSION: Cultivating a collaborative, nurturing environment which embraces diversity, promotes equity and develops confident lifelong learners resulting in academic excellence, civic responsibility, and emotional & physical wellness.
Governance of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District is vested in the five members of the Board of Education, who serve staggered four-year terms. To be eligible for election, Board candidates must be at least 18 years old and must be a resident of, and a registered voter in, the District. Elections are held every two years. LTUSD utilizes a system of Elections by-Trustee-Areas in which Board representatives are elected into office by residents living in five designated boundary areas. LTUSD Board of Education elections occur on the same date as California's even-year general elections.
See LTUSD Board of Education Trustee Area Map for Future Board Elections.
The Lake Tahoe Unified School District provides the guidance and resources necessary to ensure an environment conducive to learning. It is the policy of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board of Education to foster parental participation and partnership to create an educational climate which reinforces and fosters the positive and healthy development of the child.
The Board's goal is to develop a strong district-wide team that builds a culture of shared leadership and ownership of all student outcomes.
It is the vision of LTUSD to discover and foster the unique talents and potential of all students.
MEET YOUR BOARD MEMBERS
Lauri Kemper - Board President (Term Expires 12/11/26) Email
Representing Trustee Area 5 - VIEW MAP - Area #5
Lauri Kemper has lived in South Lake Tahoe since 1985, when she got a job as an Engineer with the (state of California) Lahontan Water Board. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Resources Engineering from Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt), and is a licensed civil engineer. At the time of Lauri’s retirement from her ~ 33 year career with the Lahontan Water Board, she had served as Assistant Executive Officer for 8 years. Beyond protecting water quality, Lauri has served the community as a coach (Buddy Werner ski club and elementary school basketball), a math and literacy tutor, chairperson of the LTUSD Family Life Committee, a volunteer for the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless,.an ongoing mentor to two young women for seventeen years through Tahoe Youth and Family Services, and, currently, a Reading Pal at Tahoe Valley. Lauri’s son attended K-12 in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District, graduated from Lake Tahoe Community College, and is a PhD scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Labs. Lauri enjoys hiking, xc skiing, singing, reading, and cooking. She is interested in providing excellent education and encouragement for all children in our community.
Jon Hetherton - Board Clerk (Term Expires 12/11/26) Email
Representing Trustee Area 2 - VIEW MAP Area #2
Jon Hetherton's roots in South Lake Tahoe are deep. He was born and raised in South Lake Tahoe and attended LTUSD for his K-12 education. His parents and sisters graduated from South Tahoe High School as well, going back as far as 1958. A top accomplishment at STHS was being a part of the 1987 State Champions basketball team. Jon’s father started their insurance business in 1968 which Jon now owns. Jon is married to Kelary (another STHS graduate), they have four children, three of whom are current students in LTUSD and one graduate. Jon has volunteered throughout his adult life in Tahoe from Little League, Babe Ruth, Kahle Basketball, AYSO, Boys and Girls Club board, LTCC Business Advisory Council, and numerous other great organizations. Jon pursued his dream of baseball in college, obtaining his AA from Sacramento City College and his BS in Business Administration from CAL POLY SLO. He loves golfing, being with family and friends, his four dogs, and two cats. Jon loves living in Lake Tahoe and is very proud to be able to raise his family in his home town.
Valerie Mansfield - Board Member (Term Expires 12/13/28) | Email
Representing Trustee Area 4 - VIEW MAP Area #4
Valerie Mansfield is a recently retired teacher from Sierra House Elementary where she taught from 1988 until 2020. Growing up, she spent summers at Fallen Leaf Lake and became a permanent resident of South Lake Tahoe in 1984. During her 32-year career as a teacher, and as a mother of 3 children, she volunteered as a Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School leader, Brownie and Girl Scout leader, baseball coach, and many other endeavors in support of her kids and the community. At Sierra House Elementary, she served as the Choir Director, Weather Kids Coordinator, Spelling Bee Coach, and Ukulele leader. In her free time she likes to read, sing, golf, garden, and walk her dog. Valerie has always been a child advocate, believing that every single child deserves the opportunities for an excellent education and a bright future.
Bob Anderson - Board Member (Term Expires 12/13/28) Email
Representing Trustee Area 3 - VIEW MAP Area #3
Bob Anderson is a dedicated lifelong educator, who has spent 26 years shaping young minds as a classroom teacher at Lake Tahoe schools, beginning his career in Southern California. Bob’s passion for education is matched only by his love for the outdoors, shared with his wife Kathleen, who are both avid readers and paddleboarders. They cherish starting their days on the lake, soaking in the natural beauty and observing the local wildlife. Bob’s enthusiasm for life extends beyond the classroom. A lifetime golfing enthusiast, he taught golf at Lake Tahoe Community College for several years and delights in sharing his love for the game with friends and strangers alike. His evenings are often spent shouting out answers during "Jeopardy" sessions, tradition since his teen years. Family is at the heart of Bob’s joy. Through marriage, he has proudly embraced the role of grandparent, finding happiness in watching the Little League and soccer games of his two adorable grandkids at the local sports fields.
Ellen Camacho - Board Member (Term Expires 12/13/28) Email
Representing Trustee Area 1 - VIEW MAP - Area #1
A Memphis, Tennessee native, Ellen and her husband Paul have resided in South Lake Tahoe since 1994. Both their children, Katie and Chris, went through the Lake Tahoe Unified School district, where Ellen volunteered in the classrooms, went on field trips, including two times at Sutter’s Fort, was treasurer of PABA, worked in the kitchen during Sober Grad Night for many years and has been a judge for Senior Projects for 20 years. She has enjoyed a career in real estate since 1983 and is a full time real estate broker, working for Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty. She is licensed in both California and Nevada and is active with boards in both states. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, or jumping into new adventures. Giving back to her community, Ellen proudly volunteers her time with Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe, St. Theresa Catholic Church, and Bread and Broth, a local outreach program.