At a September 17 candidate forum for District 3 city‑council seats in Thousand Oaks, Victor Hayek, a former deputy superintendent of business services for the Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD), asserted that the district had not closed any programs during his tenure. The claim was quickly challenged by district history.

Infant‑toddler program closed under Hayek’s watch

In 2017, CVUSD decided to close the infant‑and‑toddler program that operated out of what is now CVUSD Preschool. A group of parent volunteers presented the school board with four budget‑friendly options to keep the program alive, arguing that the district’s budgeting missteps could be corrected without eliminating services for the youngest children.

Hayek, who was then deputy superintendent of business services, attended the meetings but offered no alternative solutions. After the board initially voted to keep the program open, the administrative staff – with Hayek’s backing – ultimately succeeded in shutting the program down. The closure took effect after the program remained operational for roughly one more year.

Impact on the community

The infant‑toddler program had been created in response to repeated requests from Thousand Oaks residents for reliable childcare for infants. Its loss has contributed to a growing childcare crisis in the area, with demand for quality early‑childhood care outpacing available supply.

Hayek’s broader record

Hayek and his supporters often cite CVUSD’s avoidance of mass layoffs as evidence of his business acumen. However, many district employees report that positions, programs, and even entire departments have been eliminated repeatedly under his oversight, casting doubt on the narrative of fiscal stewardship.

Candidate endorsements and voter perspective

The forum also featured David Newman, a longtime city‑council member praised by the author for integrity and transparency. The author, Jenn Greenaway of Thousand Oaks, noted that Hayek’s revision of district history reinforced her decision to support Newman.

Looking ahead

With the city’s childcare shortage worsening, parents and community leaders are calling for renewed attention to early‑childhood services. The episode underscores the importance of accurate record‑keeping and accountability when candidates discuss their past performance.

Voters in Thousand Oaks will have the opportunity to weigh these competing narratives when they head to the polls later this year.

Original reporting: Thousand Oaks Acorn — read the source article.