|
home / Education
Leslie Carlyle-Burnett: "That's what makes me smile"
Marilyn Netoskie
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Leslie Carlyle-Burnett is the third Maricopa Unified School District (MUSD) Governing Board member to be appointed to the current Governing Board by Pinal County Superintendent of Schools Orlenda Roberts. Carlyle-Burnett replaced Geoff Goddard when he unexpectedly resigned in November 2011.
Carlyle-Burnett is the mother of two sons, one 20 years old, who works for Federal Express. The other son is a junior in high school, and besides his A.P. (advance placement) high school classes, he also attends Central Arizona College (CAC).
Going to the movies and spending time with her family are her favorite things to do when she does have some spare time. If she could get away for a vacation, she would like to go any place where there is a beach and an ocean. She loves animals and her favorite book is Charlotte's Web by E. B. White.
"I had given a lot of thought about applying for the vacant seat on the Governing Board," said Ms. Carlyle-Burnett. "Torri Anderson (Vice President of the MUSD Governing Board) had given me a lot of encouragement, and really planted the idea of serving on the Governing Board. All of the paperwork had to be completed and in Ms. Roberts office by December 23 of 2011. I was also attending meetings and working with the Ak-Chin Tribal Council members for the Family Entertainment Complex. There were many documents that had to be completed and it seemed everything was due at the same time. It was a very busy time but still I kept thinking if I was the one appointed to the Governing Board, I might be able to bring some awareness or understanding to the background of items being discussed. My mother was a teacher in the Maricopa schools for several years. I grew up in Maricopa and graduated from Maricopa High School."
After Carlyle-Burnett graduated from Maricopa High School, she went to Central Arizona College and then to the University of Phoenix, where she received a bachelor degree in Business Management. Along the way, she also received her license in cosmetology. She was a former Ak-Chin Tribal Council member and is a senior planner with the community. She has been a member of the Ak-Chin Indian Community Education Committee for four years and Chairwoman of the committee for one year. "We have important goals that we are striving to reach. We want to decrease truancy, encourage parent involvement, increase the graduation rate, and decrease the drop-out rate," said Carlyle-Burnett.
"I am extremely proud of the MUSD teachers and school staff. You can tell as soon as you walk into a school or classroom how much they love the kids. You know, life is about learning, and our teachers are trying so hard to help the students learn and achieve. That’s what makes me smile.
“I have specific goals I want to accomplish as a MUSD Governing Board Member. I want to be an effective board member. I want to discuss and be able to give information to the Board and to the public about the issues. That is why I have decided to run for a full four-year term. I believe MUSD can rise to greatness, but it is going to take everyone, working together, and I want to be helping in any way I can. It is a challenge for me to balance time with my family, my mother, sister, and older two sons, and time with the Governing Board, and the Ak-Chin community. But I think, I now have these things balanced in my life."
There was one more question to be answered. What do you want the readers of The Communicator to know about you?
"Oh that's easy," replied Carlyle-Burnett. "I'd like everyone to know that I am a genuine individual that loves people, and embraces failure as a way to learn. I truly want what is best for the MUSD students, parents, teachers, and staff. I love being a mom, love my family, and embrace every opportunity to help others. I have a strong sense of responsibility and I want God to use me to help others."
You have to think that Pinal County School Superintendent Orlenda Roberts got it right when she selected Leslie Carlyle-Burnett to take the seat left vacant when Geoff Goddard resigned.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marilyn Netoskie / CopaNews.com
Leslie Carlyle-Burnett is the newest member of the MUSD Governing Board.
|