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2009-11-21

2009-11-18

2009-11-05

Agriculture

Lifestyles

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:34 AM

School board an ‘unending job,’ outgoing official says

By COURTNEY SERVAES, Herald Staff Writer

Jeanette Lowry has a lot of good memories from her time on the school board.

Lowry, who has served on the Ottawa School Board for 12 years, was defeated in the April school board elections but took time to reflect on her memories during her final board meeting Monday night.

“There’s always so much work that needs to be done,” Lowry said. “It’s an unending job.”

Lowry spoke about the board hiring superintendent Dean Katt in 2006. She talked about his contributions, about his down-to-earth personality.

“He has done a great job at being very transparent, open and easy to work with,” Lowry said. “He’s done a good job.”

She recounted how diligently the school board worked to improve elementary school facilities in the district, about the construction of Lincoln and improvements to other elementary schools.

“Everybody says they want to do what’s right for kids,” she said. “It’s not enough to just say, ‘Yeah, I want to do what’s best for our kids and our education.’”

She applauded School Board President Dennis George for his work, for his dedication.

“You’ve continued that tradition,” Lowry said about providing a venue for the public to speak. “That openness and transparency is super important. In tough economic times, the public wants to know they can talk.”

She expressed her confidence in the future, in the school district and the school board.

“There are challenging economic times ahead,” she said. “I know our district will do a good job.”

She said her goodbyes to a school district she said she hopes she’s been able to help, to serve.

“There’s a lot of satisfaction in small town America that you can make a difference,” she said.

George applauded Lowry for her service, for the changes she has helped implement, for the decisions she’s made.

“I hope if the community remembers one thing about your 12 years of service, they will think of the board as a living, breathing transparent organization,” he said.

Lowry also thanked the board and the public for the opportunity to be involved with the district.

“It’s been an honor and a pleasure to serve the district,” she said. “I hope to continue lifelong learning, and this has just been a part of it.”

Sipple says goodbye

Board member Mike Sipple also served his last night on the USD 290 School Board Monday.

Sipple, who has been on the board since 2005, said he has enjoyed every minute of it.

“It’s been a privilege working with everyone,” he said. “I wish you much success.”

Sipple did not seek re-election in April. He and Lowry will be replaced by Darrell Bourque and Brandon Jones, who will take over at the board’s July meeting.

“You have a lot on your plate, but you have the right resources,” Sipple said.