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Community and board honor retiring superintendent Mark Laurie at final meeting
Summary
At his final board meeting after 42 years of service, Superintendent Mark Laurie received an outpouring of tributes from community members, students and trustees; Laurie delivered a reflective farewell and urged support for incoming superintendent Stan Walton.
Community members and board trustees filled the meeting’s public-comment hour on June 18 with tributes to retiring Superintendent Mark Laurie, who has led the district through multiple program expansions and a decade of recent initiatives.
During the public-comment period, Shamika Sullivan, a community member, told the board Laurie had provided direct, ongoing support to families and students: "You saw us. You saw us, you heard us, and you responded to what we needed," she said, praising Laurie’s hands-on approach to special-education cases and community outreach.
Several speakers recounted long-term personal interactions and gratitude. Legend Lewis said students “felt seen and supported” by Laurie, and Gloria Dotson and Robert Bradley offered prayers and praise for his leadership and community presence.
Laurie used his superintendent’s report to thank staff, board members and mentors, reflect on 42 years in education and recommend the board give full support to incoming superintendent Stan Walton. "I love this school district. I love this community," Laurie said. He told staff and the public that the district team carried out the work and offered particular thanks to named colleagues and long-time partners.
Board members responded with remarks highlighting specific accomplishments during Laurie’s tenure, including expansion of P-TECH programs, growth in career-and-technical education, improvements tied to grants and the district’s rising graduation-rate trend. Trustees pledged ongoing support for the incoming superintendent and for the district’s programs.
The meeting closed with memorials read for several community members and a motion to adjourn. Laurie’s final comments emphasized gratitude, community relationships and a request that trustees and residents support the district’s next chapter under the new superintendent.
