A fitting tribute
Tonight was Dr. Karla Brooks Baehr’s final school committee meeting. At the public reception in her honor, held in the Mayor’s reception room immediately preceding, fitting tribute was paid to the woman who has led our school system for the last 8 years. Brian Martin brought a congressional citation for service to the city from Congresswoman Niki Tsongas’ office, the school committee presented a certificate of honor and a key to the city, city manager Bernie Lynch thanked her for working for the ‘good of the city’. But best of all, in my opinion, was the Citywide Parent Council outgoing Chair Anita Downs’ announcement that over 150 books had been donated to Lowell Public Schools in honor of Dr. Baehr. The good news is that Barnes & Noble will extend the period for donating a book or books, and they make it so easy- just stop in or give them a call at 978-458-3939 (they’ll even give you a 20% discount). The other fun thing about the evening was hearing Dr. Baehr give a few zingers, especially toward the editor of the Sun and toward Lowell politics in general. Still, she affirmed that the work could still get done, that when she came to Lowell she signed her name in a book under the names of all of Lowell’s school superintendents going to the 1800s, that she was proud that day and was just as proud today of having been one of the leaders of this school system. As a parent in the system during her tenure, I can only say again how lucky we were to have her. I believe and hope that the good work she has done will endure. Goodbye, Dr. Baehr, and thank you. (Posted by Margaret)