It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Margaret Scholl Fairlie on Sunday, November 23, 2025. Margaret was a true champion of Schools Federal Credit Union and someone whose dedication left a lasting mark on our organization and our community.
Margaret became a member of the Credit Union when she joined the Los Angeles Unified School District in 1969. Over the years, she gave so much of her time, knowledge, and heart to Schools FCU. She served as a volunteer on the Supervisory Committee for 15 years, including five years as Chair, and later continued her service as a Board Member in several leadership roles, including Board Chair. She remained deeply committed to the Credit Union until her retirement from the Board in 2024. Her leadership, integrity, and steady guidance helped shape who we are today.
Her professional career was just as impactful. Margaret served as Chief Financial Officer for the Santa Monica School District and held several roles at LAUSD, working in Stores Branch, Budget, and General Accounting. She later spent 11 years as Director of Maintenance and Operations, where she managed a budget of more than $300 million and supported a workforce of over 5,000 employees. One of her most meaningful contributions came during LAUSD’s long-term financial recovery after the Northridge Earthquake, where her expertise and calm leadership made a real difference.
Outside of work, Margaret was deeply loved by her family and treasured by her friends, colleagues, and her bridge and mahjongg partners. She cared deeply about people and about fairness, and she lived those values through her support of civil well-being and equality. One cause especially close to her heart was the Human Rights Campaign.
In honoring Margaret’s life and legacy, her family invites those who wish to do so to donate to the Human Rights Campaign in her name. Donations may be made at Human Rights Campaign.
https://give.hrc.org/page/145250/donate/1?locale=en-US
Under “Notification,” please enter Margaret as the recipient and deanschenker@gmail.com as the recipient email address.
Margaret will be remembered for her kindness, her leadership, and her unwavering commitment to service. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.