ASBA Special Awards Edition

ASBA Special Awards Edition

Carolyn Warner

Barbara Robey Lifetime Achievement Award

http://youtu.be/-7kj3M_q15Q

This award is named in honor of Barbara Robey who gave great service to ASBA. The award pays tribute to someone in the education community who, like Barbara and the past winners, has made an outstanding contribution to public education and ASBA’s mission through servant leadership over an extended period of time.

Carolyn Warner, a staunch advocate and policy leader for public education in Arizona and nationally for more than 40 years, was honored with the Barbara Robey Lifetime Achievement Award at Thursday night’s dinner.

Warner, the former Arizona Superintendent for Public Instruction, not only talked the talk, but she also walked the walk in her commitment to make sure that education lives up to its promise -- in her words – “as the provider of opportunity for just ordinary young people, ordinary children, to develop and become extraordinary citizens.”

She was an Oklahoma rodeo queen, a product of pioneering stock from the Sooner State.

Both her mother and father were school teachers, her father also a state senator. Virtually all her aunts and uncles were in the profession too, as teachers, principals, school board members.

As she tells it, “Education in my family was closely akin to being a religion. It was sort of a manifestation of our theology, because we believe that everybody can - given the opportunity.”

She started close to home – a mother of six. An active parent volunteer and PTA member. Then a member of the Phoenix Union High School District governing board. And all this while leading a successful family-owned business.

But public service became a full-time commitment in 1974 when she was elected Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction, the first non-educator ever elected to this post. She was re-elected to two additional four-year terms.

In 1986, she was her party’s candidate in a competitive race for governor, a race ultimately won by Evan Mecham.

Over the years, she has won friends and colleagues on both sides of the political aisle with her knowledge, her insistent but collegial style, her humor - and even her willingness to occasionally poke fun at herself as her cameo appearance in an Arizona Press Club music video well proves!

Out of office, her involvement in education policy and advocacy continued – and has grown stronger. She received Presidential and Congressional appointments, serving under both Republican and Democratic administrations. She was a founding member of the Arizona Education Foundation, and continues to fight for teachers, making sure excellence is recognized and rewarded. She authored books on promoting the value of public education – which she does with passion at every opportunity. Today, workforce development is among her top priorities. And as co-chair of the Arizona Skills Standards Commission, her unparalleled ability to develop partnerships with school administrators, teachers, and business leaders is at work for Arizona students.

Why does she do it? Education, she says, is like the torch of liberty held by the great statue in New York Harbor. In her words, “Liberty is equated with education. If you are educated you can do almost anything you want to do.”

And Carolyn Warner is here to make sure that flame doesn't go out.

Lou Ella Kleinz Award
Each year, the Arizona School Boards Association presents a very special award to recognize the school district governing board that has demonstrated the most outstanding education leadership in Arizona.

As executive director from 1971 through 1991, Lou Ella Kleinz said: “As we pursue excellence in boardsmanship, our higher moral duty is to provide effective leadership in shaping the life-long attitudes of the young people of our communities.”

Baboquivari Unified 

Baboquivari Unified School District Governing Board

Verlon Jose

Sara Mae Williams

Sylvia Hendricks

Ella Mae Greasewood

Marlene Gonzales

http://youtu.be/rnGmMPVBFIc
 

In January 2010, the Baboquivari Unified School District Governing Board took the bold step to say “enough” to a legacy of mediocre performance and results.

They committed to transforming the school district, located 60 miles southwest of Tucson in Sells, into an excelling school system that works in partnership with families and communities to prepare its students as leaders.

The board placed a high priority on equipping all its 1,100 students with the skills and knowledge they will need to compete in a global society.

Another priority was preserving the traditional values, cultures and heritage of the children of the Tohono O’odham Nation, which the district serves.

Ensuring that students’ minds, bodies and spirits are nurtured has become a holistic objective.

Over the past three years, the board has supported several strategic initiatives that are enabling students to be college and career ready upon graduation from high school.

High expectations have been set for students and staff.

The implementation of highly effective instructional strategies, teacher and staff recruitment efforts, professional development and effective student services is resulting in the highest positive outcomes that once may have seemed out of reach.

Best practice programs and strategies, like AVID – funded by a U.S. Department of Education i3 grant, are showing results.

Graduation rates have increased from 48 percent in 2009 to 78 percent in 2013.

Out of 52 Baboquivari High School seniors in the class of 2013, an all-time high of 30 applied to higher education. Eleven are currently enrolled at four-year universities; and seven are attending a community college. In previous years only a handful of students have considered college as an option.

Calling upon parents and community partners to become fully engaged as partners in student success has been critical.

A new Parent University provides parents new to the district with a 15-hour series of classes covering topics from effective parent/school communication to addressing social issues and how parents can further their own education at Tohono O’odham Community College.

A partnership with the University of Arizona, the Tohono O’odham Community College and the Metropolitan Education Commission has resulted in resources to fund the Wisdom Project, which aims to develop a college- going culture in the district.

As a result of the board’s transformation efforts, Baboquivari Unifed School District is witnessing the development of what it calls 21st Century Warriors – students who value their culture, make academic learning a priority and grasp the concept that hard work, dedication and passion towards learning will enable them to self-determine their path through life.

For demonstrating outstanding education leadership, the Arizona School Boards Association honors the Baboquivari Unified Governing Board as a winner of the 2013 ASBA Lou Ella Kleinz Award of Excellence.

Benson Unified

Benson Unified School District Governing Board

Bob Bernal

Frank “Chic” Maldonado

Brett Barney

Anita Choate

Kelly Johnson

http://youtu.be/L2oh1iEI2oE

In 2013, the Benson School District was recognized by the Arizona Department of Education as Arizona’s “Top District.” The achievement was years in the making, and the direct result of a decision by the board in 2008 to re-vision the district with academics at the top of the priority list.

No longer satisfied with a “this is just rural Arizona” mentality, the board set out to make Benson the best in Arizona.

They were also determined to make Benson a district of choice, and win students back from local charter schools.

Both required strong leadership to bring about big changes – which can be difficult in a close-knit community steeped in school tradition.

After realigning their vision, mission and guiding principles to put student achievement first, Benson looked for guidance and assistance from a neighboring district – Vail USD, which sat at the top of the pack with the state’s number-one ranking.

It tapped into Vail’s instructional playbook by joining the district’s Beyond Textbooks program. And then Benson began implementing it doggedly.

Despite challenges with technology, culture and the switch to a modified year-round schedule to allow for mid-session tutoring, the board maintained its resolve. And students soared.

The high school saw a 26 percent jump in the number of students passing the AIMS math component. 97 percent of Benson high school students now pass the reading component – up from 85 percent. Student work ethic and responsibility have increased, too.

Improved academic results and the board’s determination to reinforce the district’s reputation as a welcoming environment have also reversed the charter trend. The board’s decision to undertake a major renovation of the high school played a part, but a commitment to parent engagement – particularly in the high poverty areas of town – has played a significant role.

So, too, has the board’s long-standing commitment to relationship-building. The board not only believes in fostering parent involvement and collaboration, they model it - cooking and serving food at community events, attending student performances and hosting – in collaboration with city leaders - an annual Community Appreciation Tailgate party.

Today, the Benson Unified School District embraces its rich heritage, nurtures its welcoming persona and lives a new vision: On Track for Tomorrow.

For demonstrating outstanding education leadership, the Arizona School Boards Association honors the Benson USD Governing Board as a winner of the 2013 ASBA Lou Ella Kleinz Award of Excellence.

Barry Sharp, Mari Alvarado
and Robert Ethridge

All-Arizona School Board Award

http://youtu.be/zgCsVAt4HEo

From as far to the north as Ash Fork, to the south to Altar Valley, to locally at Alhambra, three individuals from diverse school districts were recognized with the All-Arizona School Board award Thursday night.

Mari Alvarado, Alhambra Elementary:

Mrs. Alvarado takes her school board’s core value of building enduring relationships to heart. Her dedication to nurturing strong, positive relationships with fellow board members, district leadership, staff, parents, students and the community is well-known.

 

 

On her board, Mrs. Alvarado has been recognized for her team approach. Congenial, cooperative and respectful of other board members are phrases used to describe her style.

Superintendent Dr. Karen Williams says of Mrs. Alvarado, “She exemplifies the qualities of a school leader. She is knowledgeable in school district policies and procedures, and always keeps students’ interest at heart when making decisions.”

A true ambassador for the district, Mrs. Alvarado regularly attends community luncheons, faith-based leaders luncheons and business partners breakfasts, which were organized as a direct result of governing board action steps and goals. 

Mrs. Alvarado also displays a deep care for district staff, and publicly recognizes employees during board meetings for the outstanding work they do on behalf of the children of the district.

Her actions reflect a sentiment she once expressed: “I serve on the board without pay because my pay in knowing that our teachers and teaching and the student are learning and we have the evidence to show it.”

Robert Ethridge, Altar Valley Elementary:

As President, Mr. Ethridge is a recognizable face of the board in the community. Superintendent Nathan McCann calls him the district’s cheerleader-in-chief, citing Mr. Ethridge’s dedicated civic involvement, belief in the potential of the district’s students, and extraordinarily positive outlook.

He serves on multiple committees and boards, and is known to volunteer for just about any position where manpower is needed – a vital asset in a small, rural community.

Local pastor Dane Miller had this to say about Mr. Ethridge: “He has invested himself with integrity and enthusiasm in many of the most critical areas of our life, and he encourages students to work hard and achieve while enjoying life as a student.”

At the board table, these attributes are on full display. During his six years on the board, Mr. Ethridge has advocated for a more rigorous and relevant curriculum, encouraged and supported a robust student and staff recognition program, provided leadership in the development of the district’s long-range planning, and enthusiastically supported free, full-day kindergarten and the expansion of pre-kindergarten services.

Barry Sharp, Ash Fork Joint Unified:

Tireless advocate … Well-respected … Authentic, moral leadership. These are words used to describe Mr. Sharp, who has put his desire to see local children reach their fullest potential to work as a school board member for the past decade.

When not in the board room, Mr. Sharp can often be found working with the local homeowners associations and American Legion Post to make sure they understand what the school is working to accomplish for students – and what they can do to help.

Superintendent Seth Staples had this to say about Mr. Sharp: “No one would ever question Barry’s motives when he is on a mission to accomplish something. Everyone knows he cares about effectively managing resources to make sure that the kids have everything they need to succeed.”

At the board table, Barry’s leadership is exemplified through his service as President in the time he takes in training new board members and patiently answering concerns of the public and staff.

Among the district’s proudest accomplishments during Mr. Sharp’s board tenure: Reducing the tax rate for local taxpayers, building a new school, joining the Mountain Institute JTED, and taking the district from underperforming to one of the top 10 most improved district in Arizona –and earning an A rating this year to boot! 

Cluster Awards Announced
These awards are given to board members who, after attaining the level of Master of Boardsmanship didn’t stop to rest, but continued to develop their Boardsmanship skills with additional hours of training.

Fifth Cluster designees include Ernest Hubbell, Karen McClelland and Ramona Nalwood.

Fourth Cluster designees are Delores Brown, Carolyn Calderon, Jesus Rubalcava, Elizabeth Sanchez and Debra Scott.

Third Cluster awards go to Jim Coulter, Patricia Foy, Sylvia Hendricks, Rose Marie Monks, Sandi Nielson, Rudy Parker, Jesus Rubalcava, Denise Standage, Hal Thomas, Rochelle Wells and Dale Williams.

Second Cluster awardees are  Brenda Bartels, Steven Chapman, Dr. Jeffery Crandall, Frankie Dalmolin, Helen Freeman, Michelle Hirsch, Olivia Jaquez, James Lemmon, Dr. Richard Lines, Mary Mills, Patricia Parrish, Paul Roetto, Michaela Roth, Traci Sawyer-Sinkbeil, Barbara Underwood and Mary Worker.

TOTAL BOARD AWARD

The Total Board Award is granted to a governing board when at least a quorum of members has attained the level of Certificate of Boardsmanship, which requires 36 continuing education units (CEUs).

CONCHO Elementary School District Mary Mills, President Steve Vital, Clerk Cecilia Roberts, Member Linda Gilbertson, Member Patricia Staffnik, Member

CRANE Elementary School District Karen Johnson, President Steve Pallack, Clerk Brenna Paulin, Member Jim Colby, Member Mary Garcia, Member

FLORENCE Unified School District Bob Dailey, President Denise Guenther, Vice President Janeane Candelaria, Member Jim Thomas, Member Rose Marie Monks, Member

GANADO Unified School District Allan Blacksheep, Jr., President Sylvia Etsitty, Clerk Dr. Phillip Bluehouse, Member Teresa Gorman, Member Wanda Begay, Member

GLENDALE Union High School District Patty Kennedy, President Don DeBusk, Clerk Pam Reicks, Member Rick Fields, Member Vicki Johnson, Member

GLOBE Unified School District Jacque Cline-Griffin, President Frankie Dalmolin, Clerk Anna Harmon-James, Member Cayci Vuksanovich, Member Judy Moorhead, Member

ISAAC Elementary School District Patricia Jimenez, President Rudy Santa Cruz, Clerk Evelyn Shapiro, Member Maria Guzman, Member Teresa Quihuis-Gerardo, Member

KAYENTA Unified School District Raymond Laughter, President Lita Dixon, Clerk Marion Todecheene, Member Patricia Parrish, Member Fern Benally, Member

LITTLETON Elementary School District Mike Pineda, President Sandi Nielson, Vice President Amy Soucinek, Member Kathy Reyes, Member

OSBORN Elementary School District Marilyn Rollins, President Dean Wolcott, Clerk Maxine Radtke, Member Sue Corbin, Member Victor Diaz, Member

PINON Unified School District Virgil Denny, President Carmelita Redsteer, Vice President Bessie Allen, Member Michael Bahe, Member Ramona Nalwood, Member

SAFFORD Unified School District Mike DeLaO, President Craig Hackett, Member Diane Junion, Member Julie Cluff, Member Shirley Turner Chaplin, Member

SAN CARLOS Unified School District Robert Cassa, President Katrina Talkalai, Vice President Fred Ferreira, Member JoAnn Thompson, Member Mary King, Member

SIERRA VISTA Unified School District Connie Johnson, President Debra Scott, Clerk Hal Thomas, Member Lori Silk, Member Melissa Avant, Member

TEMPE Elementary School District James Lemmon, President Rochelle Wells, Vice President Kathy Espinoza, Member Melanie Beikman, Member Teresa Devine, Member

WINDOW ROCK Unified School District Emily Arviso, President Lorraine Nelson, Clerk Albert Deschine, Member Richard Showalter, Member Marty Bowman, Member