MUSD Board Celebrates New and Returning Trustees at Annual Reorganization
Amy Adams, Ute Van Dam and Dan Burchfield are sworn in as trustees of the Moorpark Unified School Board of Education on December 16, with Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hays administering the oath of office.
(Moorpark, California) Dec. 18, 2024—The Moorpark Unified School District Board of Education marked its annual reorganization on Dec. 16 by swearing in newly elected Trustee Dan Burchfield (Area 2) and returning Trustees Amy Adams (Area 5) and Ute Van Dam (Area 4).
"It’s an honor to welcome Dan Burchfield to the Moorpark Unified School District Board of Education. His years of service to Moorpark High School, along with his strong community ties, will be invaluable as we continue working to create meaningful opportunities for every student,” Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hays said. “I also want to sincerely congratulate Trustee Van Dam and Trustee Adams on their reelections. We are fortunate to have such a committed team, ready to work together for the success of all our students."
Together with Trustee Nathan Sweet (Area 1), who has been part of the Board since 2010, and Trustee Robert Perez (Area 3), who has served since 2014, the Board has earned a reputation for working collaboratively to provide both strong academic opportunities and the essential support for all students.
"Each of our trustees brings a unique perspective and expertise, but what unites them is their shared passion for the Moorpark community,” Hays said. “Their collaborative leadership helps ensure that we are providing not only academic excellence but also the resources and support that all students need to thrive."
Trustee Adams was named the new board president. Trustee Van Dam is now the vice president, and Trustee Sweet is the clerk of the board. Trustee Burchfield was elected as the Board representative to the Ventura County Committee on School District Organization.
Trustee Burchfield begins his first term as trustee, representing Area 2. A dedicated educator and community leader, Burchfield served Moorpark High School for over two decades as a history teacher, theater director and coach. His contributions have earned numerous accolades, including the 2009 WHO Teacher of the Year and the 2015 Linda Anderson Excellence in Education Award.
Known as "the voice of Moorpark High School" for announcing football and basketball games, Mr. Burchfield is a beloved figure in the community. After the tragic loss of his son Joel in 1996, he established the Joel Burchfield Memorial Fund, which has awarded over $107,000 in scholarships to Moorpark High graduates, Moorpark Little League, Moorpark Softball, cheer and football.
“My goal is to uplift education for all Moorpark students,” Trustee Burchfield said. “I want to bring an enthusiastic voice to our Moorpark School Board and make a positive impact on our youth.”
Beyond his educational contributions, Mr. Burchfield is a published author and motivational speaker, sharing his journey of resilience and hope nationwide.
Mr. Burchfield and his wife, Laura, have a grown son and two grandsons.
Trustee Adams was sworn in for her second term as trustee for Area 5, continuing her service to MUSD that began in 2020. Mrs. Adams is a school-based social worker with the Pleasant Valley School District, bringing a rich background in social work, including roles with Conejo Valley Unified, Los Angeles Unified, and Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.
“I am very excited to begin my second term as a trustee,” Mrs. Adams said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the other members of the school Board to support the vision of Moorpark Unified School District to reach every student every day.”
Mrs. Adams earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Brigham Young University and her master’s degree in social work from UCLA. She also holds a Pupil Personnel Services Credential with specializations in child welfare, attendance, and school social work. She is a licensed clinical social worker.
A longtime volunteer, Mrs. Adams supported students for more than a decade as a classroom volunteer at Campus Canyon Elementary School. She co-founded a nonprofit promoting healthy digital habits and has been active in youth and women’s programs at her church for many years.
Mrs. Adams is married to Mike Adams, and they have four children.
Trustee Van Dam was sworn in for her fifth term representing Area 4, making her the longest-serving board member since her initial election in 2008. A Moorpark resident for over 20 years, Mrs. Van Dam is a school psychologist with the Los Angeles Unified School District.
“Education is not just about students—it’s about families, teachers and the entire community coming together,” Trustee Van Dam said. “I am excited to serve our Moorpark school district for another term and look forward to working together with my fellow Board Members and Superintendent Hays to make our district better than ever.”
Mrs. Van Dam earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in counselor education from Cal State Los Angeles.
Her community involvement includes leadership roles in the Moorpark Kiwanis Club, where she served as president. She is married to former City Councilmember Mark Van Dam, and they have two grown children.