From the very beginning, from creation of Natomas Unified School District, Teri Burns was helping to lead the charge.
So saying goodbye this week was like saluting a huge slice of history.
As Burns prepares to leave the Board of Trustees after more than three decades as a Natomas education leader, colleagues gave her an emotional sendoff at their public meeting, recalling her accomplishments and praising her passion, dedication, commitment, grace, civility, kindness, and tireless advocacy.
“I am honored to have represented the community for the last 33 years with so many wonderful board members,” Burns said of her tenure, which began in 1985 when Natomas was an elementary school district, seven years before voters created Natomas Unified.
“During that time, it was my pleasure to serve with fine people who shared the culture of putting children at the forefront of all of our decisions,” she said.
Board President Scott Dosick said that Burns demonstrated throughout her career in education that St. Francis of Assisi was correct when he said, “True progress quietly and persistently moves along without notice.”
“You have left an indelible mark on this district,” Dosick said. “You have been a tireless advocate for the students and families of Natomas; persistently advocating for that which you know is right. There’s a reason the B. Teri Burns Health Clinic bears your name and why Mandarin has been added as a second language option at many of our schools.”
In addition to her Natomas schools expertise, Burns has an extensive background in statewide education issues, including service as a deputy superintendent for the California State Department of Education. Her resume includes policy-related positions with the California State Board of Education, the California School Boards Association, and as a legislative consultant to five state senators.
Dosick said “there is no way that we can ever fill your shoes” but “my promise to you is that I will do my best to pick up your reins, to advocate for what is right and best for all 15,000 NUSD students and their families.”
To put Burns’ tenure into perspective, she joined the school board of the former Natomas Union School District the year that Ronald Reagan was elected to a second term as President, George Deukmejian was California governor, Whitney Houston released her debut album, Mike Tyson made is pro boxing debut, and “Amadeus” was named Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
Burns, who has served as president of Natomas’ school board more than a half-dozen times, cited some of the community’s educational achievements during her time in office, saying she is proud that Natomas:
· Unified to support our own high school students
· Built 16 school facilities
· Improved staff accountability systems
· Opened a health clinic on campus to serve our students and community
· Expanded our career pathway opportunities
· Started a K-12 International Baccalaureate program
· Protected our theater programs despite budget cuts
· Are operating a state-recognized farm-to-school nutrition program
· Have a 24-hour crisis network for our kids
· Have a balanced budget that prepares us for the coming recession
· And so much more …
“We have come a long way from two schools and 800 students,” she said, “and we have much more to do.”
Trustee Lisa Kaplan’s voice cracked during passionate comments in which she described Burns as “more than a colleague, you’re a friend. We have disagreed but I never, ever doubted where your heart was and I never underestimated you and your knowledge and history of Natomas. I always knew I had something to learn.”
Kaplan recalled how Burns took time to sit down and help acclimate her to the job of NUSD Trustee 16 years, when Kaplan was a rookie. She praised Burns for extensive meeting preparation and for endless hours spent attending school events, visiting classrooms, and much more.
“For what you’ve done for so many generations of children here, I wish there were more words, and more eloquent words, but thank you,” Kaplan said.
Trustee Micah Grant told Burns that he appreciates how she articulates her views in a way that makes him pause and re-think an issue. “That’s what I’ll miss the most, Teri, your unfailing civility, camaraderie – even when things became tense. I think we can all learn a lesson in humility and kindness from Teri Burns. So I tip my hat to you, Teri.”
Trustee Sue Heredia said she appreciates Burns’ knowledge, grace, and analytical way of considering school policy. “I’ll always remember you as someone who carried yourself with such dignity through every board meeting … The position was not about Teri Burns, the position was about the kids and families and community of Natomas. And I think that speaks volumes.”
Though vote-counting is not over, Burns said that whichever of two candidates from the Nov. 6 election succeeds her, she is “confident the district is in good hands with the new member because I believe both are committed to the good of our schools.” She ended her goodbye comments in a light-hearted way.
“I wish you all good things going forward,” she said. “I look forward to serving the district and the community in new ways. In the words of Sir Paul McCartney, ‘Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on.’ Thank you one and all. The pleasure has been all mine.”
