It is with both honor and apprehension that I begin my term as the President of the Board of Education for the 2007 – 2008 school year.  I am honored to serve in this capacity for, what I believe to be, one of the very best school districts in the nation.  Our faculty and staff are beyond comparison, and our administrators have done more with less for years.  Each year, the District continues to get better and better, as our professionals have turned our mission of “learning for all, whatever it takes” from a slogan into a reality.

In addition to feeling honored, I am also apprehensive as we continue to struggle with school finance and with continued legal mandates from the state and federal governments.  I am convinced that given the resources and opportunity, our talented teachers could fully achieve the spirit of “no child left behind”.  Not many districts can say that.  We can.  My fear, however, is that the resources will continue to dwindle at a time when the needs and mandates are more pressing than ever.

As your Board President, I will continue to work with the Lawrence community and with our State legislators to provide what is needed to make sure that each and every student has the opportunity to learn to his/her greatest potential.

I have been involved in public education for over 30 years, as a teacher, administrator, and counselor.  I have worked for KU, as well as for the California State University system.  Additionally, I worked with the Lawrence Public Schools and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce to create the Business/Education Partnership (now known as LEAP) as the Partnership’s first Director.  I hope that this background will be helpful in my capacity as President of the Board.

I am honored to serve with such a professional and thoughtful Board; my colleagues are a rare and dedicated group of public servants.  We are all committed to serving this community and our schools and teachers in our efforts to be the best school district in the nation for the children of Lawrence.

Thank you for your support and for this opportunity to serve.