A Legacy of Service and Succession: Brenda Klenk

Retiring board member
Brenda Klenk is recognized by
President David Ball for his
dedicated service to the
Hudson Board of Directors.

When Brenda decided to run for school board 8 years ago, she did so out of a desire to serve her community. She felt her own children had excellent experiences in school and wanted to ensure that all children have the same great experience. Four years later, she ran again because she felt passionate about being a voice for her neighbors, friends, and community. She felt that it's not enough to sit around and talk about what you want to happen. It's much better to volunteer your time and be part of the process. 

She was passionate about giving our students multiple career opportunities so they are ready for whatever path they decide to choose upon graduation. She believed that having classes and hands-on experiences while in high school would give our students a greater understanding to make educated decisions about their future, hopefully leading them to  a successful career. 

So, as Brenda's service on the Hudson Board of Directors comes to a conclusion this month, I invited her to share with me her reflections on this service and what she takes away from it. Here is what she told me. 

As I reflect on the past eight years as a school board member, the words care, collaboration, and opportunity come to mind.  Through interactions with administrators, staff, and parents, it is abundantly clear how much each of us cares about our students and takes pride in our school.  We see daily the focus on our students’ well-being not only physically but socially as well as the mental health of our students.  We all grasp the importance in the decisions we make and how they affect how our children learn and grow in the classroom and also help them see and expand their potential.  

I’m especially proud of the many updates that have been accomplished in my time as a board member.  From the elementary wing upgrades to the large renovation of the middle school and the innovative addition of the high school, the key to making it all happen has been the collaboration of the school and the community. We work together to make the best decisions for our current enrollment while also thinking ahead to what the future of Hudson Schools will look like. 

The ability to serve as a board member gave me the opportunity to learn about school governance and how the puzzle pieces all have to fit together to make the school run successfully. I have the highest regard for the teachers at Hudson as well as the administrative team, support staff, and my fellow board members.  While there have been occasions we have disagreed on topics, we have been able to have meaningful conversations where each viewpoint is heard and respected.  Opportunities abound when you put your heads together with a shared vision of creating effective learning environments that result in success for all students!

Brenda's strengths are varied. As a staring point, it is incredibly clear to me that she cares very deeply about our school district. Further, she always centered her decisions on what was best for the students in our school district. From a practical standpoint, Brenda was a key advisor on issues of policy, becoming someone I could rely on to ensure our policy was well written, consistent and without error. Anytime a new policy was before the board, before taking the final vote, one of her colleagues inevitably would ask, 'Brenda, have you looked this over'? 

Thank you for your service, Brenda. You will absolutely be missed!