Dear SRI Community,
We thank you for your continued support during this time of transition. As noted in our message at the end of February, we are keeping you posted on SRI’s journey towards sustainability and continued commitment to providing the tools and resources to do the work our communities need. This message is about leadership shifts and new roles.
At this time we will not be conducting a search for a new executive director. There are many things to be done to financially stabilize the organization, and that is our top priority right now and focus of our attention. We will let the community know when we are ready to embark upon a search for that leadership role. We are fortunate to have an amazing staff. We have asked Chris Jones to take on the title of National Office Manager, which will more accurately describes his role and the work he does every day to oversee the various facets of SRI. Patrena Wright, Operations Coordinator, and Melanie Harris, Business Management Coordinator will continue to work with Chris and the Board to keep SRI running smoothly.
We have had some changes in Board leadership as well. We sadly accepted the resignation of our dedicated board chair, Niya Randall. She took on the role of chair at a difficult time and led with commitment and strength. Niya noted: After heavy consideration, I am resigning as Board Chair of the School Reform Initiative. Serving as Board Chair, over the past year in the midst of a pandemic has been a memorable learning experience. Niya went on to say what an honor it had been to serve as board chair and the board agrees that it was our honor to have had her leadership during this time. Lisa Kuh has agreed to serve as Board Chair, and DJ Alexander will serve as Vice Chair. Brian Sparks continues as our Treasurer, and Angela Breidenstein our Secretary, with Aaron Goodson and Lauren Levine serving as Board Members. We are currently ratifying new bylaws that will better serve the organization and will communicate soon about the process for board expansion.
As we have noted before, the community needs the work of SRI now more than ever. Please show your committed to educational equity and excellence by becoming an affiliate member now. Becoming an affiliate will include you in SRI communications and governance. Additionally, the modest membership fee contributes to SRI’s ability to provide services and experiences that support your work. Thank you for your support of SRI!
Sincerely,
School Reform Initiative Board of Directors
Aaron Goodson
Angela Breidenstein
Brian Sparks
DJ Alexander
Lauren Levine
Lisa Kuh
