According to a press release from the Madison Metropolitan School District, Madison School Board member Mary Burke will step down from her position. The release did not indicate when the resignation will become effective.
“After seven years of serving the community on the Madison Board of Education, my personal and professional commitments do not allow me the time and energy needed to fulfill my term. I am proud of the progress we’ve made and acknowledge the work still to be done. I have faith that the Board will hire a great new superintendent, pass a transformative referendum and continue towards fulfilling our mission of every student graduating college, career and community ready. I want to thank our teachers and staff for their dedication to supporting all students to achieve their potential,” Burke said in the press release.
Burke was first elected to the school board in 2012. Her current term would have expired in April 2021. She was president of the school board last year.
Her most recent significant vote was to vote with the 4-3 majority to keep Madison Police Department officers in the city’s four high schools. That contract was approved by the Madison Common Council earlier this week.
Burke was an executive at Trek Bicycles, a company founded by her father. She was Wisconsin Secretary of Commerce from 2007 to 2009 and the Democratic Party of Wisocnsin’s nominee for Governor in 2014. She is also the founder of Building Brave, a nonprofit organization that aims to support and empower women in the workforce.
“Mary’s commitment to our schools is undeniable. I want to thank Mary on behalf of the whole board for her service to our district,” Board President Gloria Reyes said in the statement. “She has been a steady leader on this board, an advocate for public education, a mentor, and a dedicated public servant.”
The Board will discuss the process to replace Burke at its meeting Monday. According to board policy, the board will appoint a new member. Anyone interested in the vacancy can file a statement of interest with the School Board president and superintendent.
