Meeting Last Night Featured a Time to "Honor Our Own"

Last night's meeting of the school board allowed the public time to thank two members for their service to the community. Brenda Kracht and Bruce Shepherd both decided months ago not to run for reelection, which meant that the November meeting of the Board would be their last. Member Maria Simon and President Dawn Ovrom led the parade of accolades for the two retiring members and many of those that spoke at the meeting chimed in with their own praise for these two volunteers.

"Brenda and Bruce represent what's great about our community and those that serve our community," said President Ovrom. "Their tireless volunteer efforts have contributed more to the success of our children than I can state."

Brenda arrived in California from New Jersey in 1966 as the recipient of a National Science Foundation grant that was offered at the Naval Electronics Laboratory in Point Loma. After marrying Larry Kracht, they moved to Coronado in the fall of 1968. Together they have raised six children and also enjoy the gift of seven grandchildren. She retired from teaching mathematics at Coronado High School in 2010 but continues to teach at San Diego Mesa College in the mathematics department.  Brenda finishes with one term on the School Board.

"I have enjoyed taking an active role in enriching our school district," reminisced Mrs. Kracht.  "Although these last four years have been difficult as a result of the Great Recession, I am glad to have served and made a difference in the lives of children in a unique way."

Bruce Shepherd completes his service to the community of Coronado as a three term publicly elected member of the Governing Board, spanning 12 years starting in 1998. Bruce served as President of the Board for five years.

He is best known for his exactitude on almost all issues that came before the board.  Very little escapes his scrutiny and this trait was never more needed than during the Great Recession.  His wisdom and foresight kept the schools alive and vibrant, finding unique ways to not only manage the devastating revenue cuts, but to also find unique ways for the schools to grow.

Bruce focused on two areas that he felt needed additional scrutiny. Articulation in mathematics especially in the secondary area was his first concern and the upheaval from the changes caused by the new state standards became the perfect foundation for change.  He was also a believer in continuous improvement and asked the Superintendent to find a way to improve the current system of evaluation. After two years of collaboration with administration, staff, and outside experts, both of these undertakings continue to be successful endeavors.