Former Teacher Appointed to AUSD Board of Education

Announcement submitted by Alameda Unified School District:

The Board of Education for the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) voted on July 22 to appoint Gray Harris, a former AUSD teacher, parent, and union president who is active in several community organizations, to the seat left empty when Niel Tam passed away in late May.

In her role as UniServe Director with the California Teachers Association, Harris works with teachers in five South Bay school districts, as well as with local and state political groups and other labor unions. Prior to taking that position with the CTA, she worked for six years as an elementary school teacher in AUSD and then for two years as president of the Alameda Education Association. She currently serves as co-president of the City of Alameda Democratic Club and has dedicated time to AUSD parcel tax campaigns. She is active in several community groups and fundraising efforts, and she is a delegate to the California Democratic Party. She received her BA from UC Berkeley and her teaching credential from Mills College.

“I look forward to working with Ms. Harris in her new role,” said Superintendent Sean McPhetridge. “Her experience in the classroom, at the negotiating table, and with state politics will be a great asset in the governance of our district.”

Four other candidates — Hazel Lau, Michael McMahon, Anne McKereghan, and Dorota Sawicka — also applied for the position. After they gave public statements and were interviewed on Wednesday night, Boardmember Lym voted for McKereghan, and Boardmembers Henneberry, Kahn and Hu voted for Harris.

Harris was sworn in at 11:15 pm. She will have a ceremonial swearing in on August 11 for the benefit of her supporters.

“Being appointed to the school board in a district where I dedicated so much time and energy to my classroom is a great honor!” Harris said. “I appreciate the support of all of the community groups who have encouraged me over the years in my passion for education. I am excited about working as a team with my fellow boardmembers to continue to move the district forward in positive ways for our students. I am passionate about creating ways for every student to succeed and graduate college or career ready or both.”

Added Board President Barbara Kahn, “I am so pleased to welcome Ms. Harris to the Board of Education. She will be a valuable partner on our journey toward a more collaborative, respectful era in our school district.”

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