Norton Not Seeking Re-election to Board, Endorses Nicholson

The following letter was sent by Shoreline School Board Director Maren Norton to family, friends, colleagues and supporters announcing that she will step down after her four-year term ends at the end of the year. 

She is endorsing the only candidate to file for the District 4 position, Dick Nicholson. 

Here is the letter:

The last 3 1/2 years have been both humbling and amazing.  Each and every day, I found myself in awe that our community gave me the responsibility to oversee the education of our kids.  You trusted me as part of the Shoreline School Board with your tax dollars to educate your children.  What an often overwhelming responsibility, and one for which I will forever be thankful.  We have strong schools, amazing teachers, outstanding administrators (led by a Superintendent who is truly unrivaled), and, of course, the BEST kids!

 Thus, it is with very mixed emotions that I announce that I am not seeking re-election to the Shoreline School Board.  This is not a decision I take lightly, but one that I believe is best for this community.  Over the next couple of years, my career obligations require me to be out of town for many months at a time, including a 7 month absence beginning later this year.  While away, it will be impossible to fulfill the responsibilities of a School Board member and to give the level of service I believe this community and, most importantly, our kids deserve. 

 It has been an honor to be a part of adopting new math and science curriculums, exploring new technology and its uses for our students, teachers and families, and seeing our kids excel in academics, athletics, music, the arts, and, most importantly, as citizens of this community.  I look forward to watching the new Shorewood and Shorecrest be built, and am thankful for the opportunity you gave me to be a part of making them a reality for the next generations of Shoreline kids.  I graduated from Shorewood 16 years ago with an education to be proud of; the next generation of T-Birds and Scots will graduate with an even better one.    

I am proud to endorse Dick Nicholson for my position on the School Board.  He is someone I admire and appreciate.  I know that he will be an asset as we continue to move forward as a District and entire community. 

Thank you for the your trust, your confidence, your insight, your candor, and your humor.  At the end of 2011, I’ll no longer be on the Shoreline School Board, but will welcome opportunities to support our schools and our community in other ways.  If nothing else, where else would the Nortons be than Shoreline Stadium when the T-Birds take on the Scots or the Shorewood bleachers when Coach(es) (Derek and Clark) Norton’s wrestlers are on the mat.  Thank you again for giving this proud Highland Terrace Superstar, Syre Wildcat, Einstein Indian, and Shorewood Thunderbird such an incredible opportunity to serve.  I am truly thankful.