For Immediate Release: August 4, 2016
Contact: Renee Rybak Lang, renee.lang@nasbe.org, 703-740-4841
Washington’s Connie Fletcher Appointed to NASBE Board of Directors, A.L. “Buddy” Collins of North Carolina to Lead GAC
Alexandria, VA — Connie Fletcher, a member of the Washington State Board of Education, was appointed in July to NASBE’s board of directors. A.L. “Buddy” Collins, vice chairman of the North Carolina State Board of Education, has been chosen to lead NASBE’s Government Affairs Committee.
Fletcher, who joined the Washington State Board of Education in 2009, will fill the 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.”
“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.”
Fletcher, who most recently chaired NASBE’s Government Affairs Committee (GAC), is handing over her post to North Carolina’s A.L. “Buddy” Collins in order to assume her NASBE board responsibilities. Collins, an attorney, is vice chairman of the North Carolina state board. He will lead the GAC through January 2017.
“Buddy is a great choice to lead the GAC,” says McNiece. “He understands the policymaking process and I’m confident he will continue Connie’s good work on the committee while bringing new perspective.”
“Through the GAC, NASBE members have more opportunity than ever to impact the way federal legislation is implemented in the states,” says Collins. “As a committee, we have a responsibility to represent the interests of NASBE members. I look forward to leading the effort to ensure those interests are heard so that ESSA can be implemented successfully and in practical ways.”
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.
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