As a departing School Board member, Mary Kadera reflects on her time in office with a mix of pride and regret. Instead of highlighting her achievements, she begins her end-of-term speech by acknowledging the areas where she could have done better. Kadera's approach is refreshing, as many elected officials tend to focus on their successes. She expresses her wish for better relationships with her former colleagues, acknowledging the importance of effective communication and collaboration in a team setting. This sentiment resonates with many, as building positive relationships is crucial for any collaborative effort.
Kadera's decision to step down from her position in January 2025 was influenced by the challenges of balancing the 'toxicity' of School Board work with her full-time job and parenting responsibilities. She also mentions her regret over voting to eliminate the Virtual Learning Program, a pandemic-era initiative that faced initial difficulties but was stabilizing by the time of the decision. This highlights the delicate balance between making necessary changes and preserving effective programs.
Despite her regrets, Kadera's tenure on the Board has been praised by her colleagues. Board member Kathleen Clark commends her for taking her position seriously and focusing on her elected duties. Clark also appreciates Kadera's commitment to listening and putting students at the center of every decision. Bethany Zecher Sutton, who succeeded Kadera as chair, echoes this sentiment, praising her thoughtful stewardship and dedication to student-centered decision-making.
Kadera's departure leaves a void in the School Board, as she becomes the most senior member despite her relatively modest four years of service. Her replacement, Monique 'Moe' Bryant, has already won the Democratic caucus and general election, and her term begins in January 2026. The upcoming election for Zecher Sutton's seat will determine the next School Board member, with the Democratic Party holding a caucus to select their candidate. This process ensures that the School Board remains a nonpartisan body, with all current members having won a Democratic caucus before their general-election victories. The last non-Democrat to serve on the Board was David Foster, who was elected in 1999 and re-elected in 2003.
