MARYSVILLE, WA – After a 32-year career in education and five years with the Marysville School District, Superintendent Dr. Becky Berg will be relinquishing her duties and responsibilities as superintendent pending Board approval on May 21. Dr. Berg’s decision comes amidst a long recovery from surgery that removed a non-cancerous, meningioma tumor from her brain in January.
“The episode caused me to take stock of my life and my work with a renewed perspective,” said Dr. Berg. “Serving as the Marysville School District Superintendent has been the highlight of my career.”
Dr. Berg has accomplished much during her time at the Marysville School District, including increasing the rigor of coursework, emphasizing the need to teach every child to read by the end of first grade, lowering class sizes, increasing daily attendance, and improving the District’s graduation rate to its highest ever.
“Together we learned some worthy lessons,” continued Berg. “Like the vital importance of tending to the mental health needs of our students. We know that although academics is important, we must, as a district and a community, meet the needs of the whole child for each one to be successful. Every child deserves to be safe, healthy, engaged, supported and challenged.”
Under her leadership, the District also began providing the SAT, a test required for most college applications and almost always paid for by families, to all of 11th grade students at no cost, grew the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, which will expand to students in 5th through 12 grade next year, and bolstered opportunities in the District’s Career and Technical Education Department to provide more resources for technology and trade pathways.
“Dr. Berg’s impact on our schools and community over the past five years has been immeasurable,” said School Board President, Dr. Tom Albright. “From addressing inequities and injustices that create barriers to student success, to attending to the District’s finances by creating a rainy day fund and developing a sound annual budget that is in alignment with Board-adopted priorities, Dr. Berg’s positive work will be felt for many years to come.”
The Board of Directors will take action on Dr. Berg’s decision at the May 21 Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. “An interim superintendent will be appointed in the near future for the 2018-19 school year. The selection process for the next superintendent will begin soon” says Dr. Tom Albright, Board President.
“When I interviewed for this position in 2013, I mentioned that I love stories where people come together to build a bridge, or save a village,” said Dr. Berg. “I thank our community for letting me be part of such a story in the Marysville School District. It has been a blessing in my life, and our students, staff and neighbors will forever hold a place in my heart.”
The linked letter was shared with Marysville School District staff, families and community members.
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ABOUT THE MARYSVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Marysville School District seeks to engage our community, inspire our students, and prepare our graduates. It is our belief that every child in our community deserves the very best educational experience possible, and every child has the potential to achieve success in life if given the right tools to do so. Learn more at www.msd25.org.
CONTACTS
Emily Wicks, Marysville School District
Communications and Community Relations Coordinator
360-965-0007 | Emily_Wicks@msd25.org