Jeffrey Frankel, Palos Verdes Peninsula School Board Member, Dies

RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA — Recently elected Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District board member Jeffrey Frankel died unexpectedly Saturday, the district announced.

The district announced his death Sunday, describing Frankel as a loving parent and advocate for students, The Daily Breeze reports. No cause of death was immediately released.

Frankel was elected about five months ago to the district's Board of Education. He told Patch at the time that his daughter was a huge reason he wanted to be involved.

The district released a statement, saying Frankel was a "shining example of what civic leadership is all about.

“Jeff was an amazing community leader who happily volunteered so much of his time and energy for the betterment of our school district," according to the statement.

During the election, Frankel described what drove him to run for the school board position, describing how the pandemic had launched families into unprecedented times with a new variety of challenges.

"My daughter with special needs, Jillian, was refused participation in school extracurricular activities," Frankel said. "I posed the problem on NextDoor and was brought to tears by the overwhelming support my daughter and I received from our community. The collective push forced the District's hands and allowed Jillian to be "part of the group." Being included and accepted is better than any therapy session Jillian could have had."

Frankel described how this changed his view and how he wanted to make a difference.

"The high school students took the time to make Jillian a heart-warming video," he said. "I don't know if the students know what a positive impact this had on Jillian or our family. To this day, it still makes me emotional, and I am forever grateful to these acts of kindness."

Frankel was a former business executive who advocated for the community. He was dedicated to the district and families it serves.

"A community working together is a powerful thing which I have been a fortunate recipient," he said.

Frankel's death has left a vacancy on the PVPUSD school board, which now has 60 days to either appoint an interim replacement or schedule a special election to replace Frankel and fill the four-year seat, Palos Verdes Peninsula News reports. The term is set to expire by November 2022.

Frankel's family has asked the community to help honor his memory and work. They have set up a GoFundMe fundraiser that benefits the Transition To Independence Program at PVUSD. Visit the website to donate.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional sponsor.

Editor's Note: This story was updated with information about a GoFundMe fundraiser created by Frankel's family in his memory.