Twelve years ago, I was elected to my first term on the School Board. It was a tumultuous election. Afterward, the coming together as a school community and then the adoption of the governance policy by the School Board made a major difference in the district because it stopped the swinging door of many superintendents in the previous 10 years.

There have been other achievements but let me name a few:

-The enormous work of establishing and updating our 2020 vision statement, our mission statement, and our seven district fundamentals. This work continues.

-A continuing ability to attract outstanding teachers and other employees because of the district reputation for excellence and school community support.

-A re-examination of our goals for updated schools and the eventual approval of the bond measure that has resulted in the new high school addition, the remodel of IMS, and the new Northwood School.

-The hiring of Dr. Plano as superintendent. He is a wonderful blend of the strengths of all the previous superintendents. I know because I have worked with every one of them.

All of these and other achievements happened because of collaboration and hard work by many board members who served with me, the joint efforts of staff; our collaboration with parents; the work between the foundation and district; and our linking successfully with community tax payers.

Today we hope that students find or begin to find their passion in our public schools. I have been lucky and found my passion in my elementary years when a few friends and I played “school” instead of dolls. I have lived that passion in my 26 years of employment in this district and in my volunteer work, much of it in the Mercer Island Schools.

As I complete my tenure on the School Board, I wish the new board success. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve and know that with collaborative efforts our schools will continue to improve and be even better in future generations.

Pat Braman