Release Date:
Alexandria, VA — Connie Fletcher, a member of the Washington State Board of Education, was appointed in July to National Association of State Boards of Education board of directors.
Fletcher, who joined the Washington State Board of Education in 2009, will fill the NASBE vacancy made by Oregon state board member Samuel Henry, whose term as senior western area director on the NASBE board expires later this year. Henry has opted for an early departure.
Fletcher has a long service in education. She served on the Issaquah School Board for 16 years and as Washington State School Directors’ Association president and other officer positions from 2000 through 2003. She was honored for her service with the Washington State PTA Educator of the Year, the Issaquah Schools Foundation Golden Apple, and by the Issaquah Community as Community Volunteer of the Year.
Professionally, she has consulted with nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and school districts on governance, planning, and major gifts fundraising. She also served as a human services planner and administrator for the City of Seattle and for two United Way organizations.
"I'm thrilled that Connie has agreed to serve out the remainder of her departing colleague's term,” says NASBE President Jim McNiece. "Connie made such a mark on NASBE’s Government Affairs Committee at an important juncture for states, I know she will bring good insight and savvy to the NASBE board. NASBE couldn't be more fortunate to have her represent the interests of the western region.”
Fletcher, who most recently chaired NASBE’s Government Affairs Committee (GAC), is handing over her post to North Carolina’s A.L. "Buddy” Collins to assume her NASBE board responsibilities.
"This is a critical time for state boards of education: With the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act, states and school districts have the opportunity to chart a new course in ensuring that all children receive an equitable and excellent education,” says Fletcher. "NASBE is well positioned to help us lead this work and has been of particular assistance to Washington state board as we strive to integrate and align core academics with career readiness. I am honored to have been selected as western area director on NASBE’s board, and I look forward to sharing Washington’s experience with my board colleagues and helping other states in their pursuit of education excellence.”
The National Association of State Boards of Education represents America’s state and territorial boards of education. Our principal objectives are to strengthen state leadership in education policymaking, advocate equality of access to educational opportunity, promote excellence in the education of all students, and ensure responsible lay governance of education. Learn more at www.nasbe.org.
###########
Contact: Stefanie Randolph, Communications Manager, (360) 725-6501
About the State Board of Education: The State Board of Education provides advocacy and strategic oversight of public education. The board is comprised of 16 members: five are elected by school board directors, seven are appointed by the Governor, two serve as student representatives, and one serves as a private school representative. The Superintendent of Public Instruction is also a member.