November 7, 2017
Dear SRI Colleagues,
Many thanks to all who participated in this fall’s SRI Board election. Friday, November 4th, marked the conclusion of the board election cycle.
We are very fortunate that an exceptionally strong slate of eight candidates stood for election. Thank you to each of you. Your commitment to SRI is clearly evident not only in the time and energy you devoted to the election process but also through your extensive involvement in SRI on many levels.
This year we had a particularly close election. The difference between candidates was as close as a few votes.
We are thrilled to announce the four new SRI board members:
Aaron Goodson (Georgia)
Lisa Kuh (Massachusetts)
Lauren Levine (New York)
Niya Randall (Georgia)
You may recall that the board decided a year ago to postpone the 2016 election in order to take much needed time to review our organizational structures and governance processes. Part of that work resulted in extending the term of subsequently elected board members from a three- year to four-year term. Aaron, Lisa, Lauren and Niya will begin their term in January 2018.
We offer our deep appreciation and thanks to outgoing board members, Pete Bermudez, Kevin Fahey, Jeff Galaise, Debbi Laidley, Donna Reid and Casey Roberts. Their energy, commitment and tireless efforts — including supporting Kari as she stretched the organization to more fully enact our commitment to equity — significantly contributed to SRI’s current health and strong future that lies ahead.
Thank you to affiliates around the country and globe who participated in the election, including many of you who voted while attending last week’s Fall Meeting in Atlanta. Your voice and presence in our organizational development continues to shape the direction of SRI.
Finally, we wish to thank the election committee who oversaw the nomination process, including Chair, Jeffrey Galaise (NY), and committee members CC Duenes (CA), Sharon Jones (FL), Taylor Johnson (AZ), Ileana Liberatore (TX), Jonett Miniel (TX), Mark Otto (NY), and Ana Pizano (FL).
What an exciting time for our organization. Here’s to all the wonderful work we will continue to do together in order to make schools more equitable and excellent places for students to learn.
Pat Norman and Kari Thierer
On behalf of the SRI Board
