GUEST OPINION: Kerry Bouchier, a friend and champion of education GUEST OPINION: Kerry Bouchier, a friend and champion of education (April 23, 2003)

Editor's Note: Longtime Menlo Park resident and educator Kerry Bouchier died suddenly April 13 after a short illness. She served the community in many ways, particularly in Menlo Park's Las Lomitas School District. Here, three of her district colleagues share their remembrances of Ms. Bouchier.

By Charla Rolland

A giant in the community and long-time champion of education has left us. Kerry Bouchier was our friend and colleague, and like legions of others, we loved her and will greatly miss her.

In ways achieved so rarely, Kerry's contributions to individuals, groups, and our entire community would have taken most others several lifetimes to accomplish. Her life wove intimately through our community's schools and public service organizations, and we will treasure the memories of our moments together.

What I will probably remember most about Kerry is the insight that she gave to us as she lived her life among her daughters and their friends. Kerry's relationships with her daughters grew out of a deep love and respect rarely experienced by mother and daughter.

The community benefited from these relationships, as we would wait anxiously for the next story learned during car pool. She would say, "You just drive and listen and dare not to respond."

We would learn so much about what was going on with the children of the district. This special source of knowledge would give us unique insights and help us be better educators and parents.

Her commitment to the development of all children was realized in her roles of mother, teacher, and educational leader. I have been a better person and educator because of this very special boss-friend relationship that we shared.

-Charla Rolland was superintendent of the Las Lomitas School District in Menlo Park from 1985-1995.

By Bob Barrett

Kerry amazed me with how well-connected she was with the community, the district, and all its staff. She handled ceremonial duties with outstanding grace and elegance. But she also knew the little things about people that allowed her to personalize.

Every meeting, for example, we would sign staff birthday cards that she picked out, generally humorous, but always perfectly suited. She would include personal notes in each that showed she knew and cared about each person.

She was also a wonderful decision-maker and leader. She was always able to distill complex discussions into the key factors and invariably was able to weigh them with sensitivity.

Kerry was inspiring and truly collaborative. Her thoughts were always intelligent, well-prepared, and compelling. When she finished speaking, the rest of us would often be thinking, "I wish I had thought of that," or "Kerry has expressed my thoughts perfectly."

I treasure the memories of the years we spent together.

Bob Barrett served on the Las Lomitas School District board from 1988-1996.

By Elyce Haskell

Kerry was generous with her friendship and a great mentor. She embraced this community and we were all the better for her attention and caring. I came to know and appreciate five unwavering principles that guided Kerry's life and leadership:

** Public education is fundamental to the success of both individuals and a democracy.

** Fun is a part of any good life.

** All men, women, and children deserve an equal opportunity for success.

** Celebrate our differences because without them the world would be a boring place.

** Give your community your best effort and stay connected.

She lived a life of service to others while raising two wonderful daughters of whom she was so proud. I will always appreciate Kerry for sharing herself with so many. A great friend is never forgotten.

Elyce Haskell served on the Las Lomitas School District board from 1994-2000.