I look forward to working with John, Ed, Betsy, and Linda Beebe, as well as the teachers, staff members, administrators, parents, and all of Lakewood in maintaining the Lakewood City Schools as an “excellent” school district.
From http://www.lakewoodcityschools.org:
BOARD USHERS IN 2010 WITH NEW OFFICERS
The Lakewood Board of Education rang in its first meeting of 2010 by naming new officers and administering the oath of office to three of its members. Betsy Shaughnessy and Matthew John Markling were unanimously elected president and vice president respectively for 2010. Shaughnessy was also sworn in for her fifth term on the Board. Joining her in swearing in ceremonies were Edward Favre, serving his fourth term and John Kamkutis, beginning his first term. Kamkutis was appointed to the Board in January 2009 to finish the term of Charles Geiger.
Outgoing president Favre highlighted the many accomplishments of the Board and the district during 2009 before handing the gavel over to Shaughnessy:
• The formation and completion of work of the Phase III Steering Committee
• A successful superintendent search that returned P. Joseph Madak to Lakewood
• The completion of the renovation of the west wing of Lakewood High School
• The district’s “Excellent” rating received from the State of Ohio
To read Favre's comments in full, please click here.
New president Shaughnessy laid out her expectations and hopes for the coming year. She noted how the challenges that faced her when she first joined the Board are similar to those today. How does the district:
• Meet the needs of every child
• Encourage parental and community involvement
• Gain support of those who don’t have children in the schools
• Make the best use of the district’s valuable human and financial resources
Shaughnessy noted that the Board will tackle the challenges ahead by “following a map” that is based on “thoughtful assessment and discussion.” She also acknowledged the difficult year ahead and asked that all tackle the challenges with “respect and understanding” for each other no matter one's opinion. To read Shaughnessy's statement in full, please click here.