It is with deep sadness that NASBE reports the passing of Karabelle Pizzigati. A two-term member of the Maryland State Board of Education, she served as NASBE president in 2008.

Her life was devoted to serving children. Her work with the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families, where she served as staff director; the Child Welfare League of America, where she served as public policy director; and later as a university teacher and researcher all focused on how public policy could protect and nurture our nation’s next generation.

She remained connected to NASBE, serving as a mentor at our New Board Member Institute just last year. We will remember Karabelle as someone who represents the very best in state board service. Without exception, every NASBE member who worked with her says that they felt fortunate to  know her.

We will miss her. Donations in her memory can be made to the Karabelle Pizzigati Fund, payable and sent to the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, 4603 Calvert Road, College Park, MD 20740.