Tonight’s Lake Orion School Board meeting is not just the last meeting held during this school year, but for Leeann Bartley, it is also her last meeting serving as board president and school board member.
After over twelve years on the school board, of which she served as board president nine years, Bartley is retiring when her term ends June 30.
‘I love the district,? she said, noting that her time in Lake Orion started as a student at Blanche Sims Elementary where she, her husband and her children all attended. ‘We really have a great group of employees that go above and beyond everyday.?
After attending Lake Orion schools as a student, Bartley got involved with the Blanche Sims PTO when her oldest daughter Katie, a 1997 graduate, started school. She continued her involvement with the school, even serving as PTO President for some time.
‘We’re all proud of her,? her youngest daughter Kelly, a 2005 graduate, said. ‘But it will be nice to have her home more often.?
During Bartley’s tenure on the board, she was able to give daughters Katie, Kelly and Kristen, a 2001 graduate, their diplomas at graduation.
Those were some of the best moments, Bartley said.
Both Katie and Kristen are recently married, and Katie and her husband are expecting their first child in the next couple of weeks.
Barley is eagerly awaiting the birth of her first grandchild, a girl, and said it was one of the big factors in deciding to not run for reelection on the board.
‘It was either commit for another four years or not run,? Bartley said. ‘I don’t like to quit in the middle of something and with the baby coming, I believe (retiring) is the right thing to do.?
‘I feel like I am going out in a positive situation,? she added.
During her time on the board, she has overseen two new elementary schools, a new high school and a new middle school being built. Plus every other school received additions, Bartley said.
She has also seen block scheduling come to Lake Orion, along with multiple Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary Awards and a National Schools To Watch Award.
Bartley said that her favorite things that she will miss are the academic award ceremonies, graduations and Blue Ribbon ceremonies.
‘Those are the top three,? she said. ‘That’s the fun stuff.?
What she won’t miss is dealing with student expulsions and budget cuts.
‘They never get easier,? Bartley said. ‘Every year you spend time with those people and it always gets tougher making those decisions.?
After spending over twenty years volunteering and being involved in the district, Bartley is happy to see where it’s at.
‘I liked it 23 years ago and it’s come a long way since then,? she noted.
While Bartley plans on still helping within the district, she is excited to take some time to spend with her husband of 32 years, Gary, their children and her new granddaughter. Her sister lives next door, so Bartley also plans on spending time with her niece and nephew, Maria and Ryan Burkeen, ages 9 and 7 respectively. She figures some gardening and house organization are also in her future.
‘I would like to thank everyone for all the support they have given me over the years,? Bartley said. ‘I couldn’t have done it without that support and I’m sure everything will be fine when I’m gone.?
Before she leaves, Bartley offers some advice to the new board.
‘Even though you have to be objective, never lose your personal touch,? she said, noting that she thinks newcomer, board member Tiffany Weber-Phillips, will fit in nicely.
While some tears have been seen at the last few school board meetings, with two meetings ago being a retirement presentation for outgoing personnel and last meeting having been retiring Assistant Superintendent David Beiter’s last meeting, it is likely that more tears will be seen tonight as the fellow board members and central office administration express well wishes for Bartley.
‘She will be missed around the district and at the board office,? said Superintendent Christine Lehman. ‘There will always be place for her in our district and in our hearts.?