She leaves school board after one term
By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor
Thuy Anh Le was praised by colleagues Monday night as she ended three years of service on the Board of Education.
Ms. Le, this year’s education committee chairwoman, was lauded by Board President Thomas Kinst for instilling and nurturing a passion for learning. He said she was a strong supporter for extracurricular activities, too, and sometimes wore T-shirts to meetings to call attention to a cause or a team. He noted her special passion for environmental issues.
Ms. Le said serving on the board “is the hardest volunteer position I’ve ever done” but encouraged others to try it.
She said volunteerism in general was important. “More involved community members make for a better community,” she said.
Ms. Le chose not to seek election to a second three-year term. She served an “extra” eight months as a consequence of the school board eliminating the April school budget tax levy referendum. That pushed the election of school board members to November’s general election for the first time, and she continued until the end of the year. Debashis “Dev” Dutta was elected and will be sworn in at the Jan. 6 reorganization meeting.
Ms. Le said she valued the independent thought shown by the board members and said it added value to the school district. As board members think about core values, they should remember that teachers have a great influence on students’ lives, she said.
Daynon Blevins, president of the Hillsborough Education Association of teachers and support staff, thanked Ms. Le and said the community was a better place for her service on the board.
In bringing the “first last meeting of the year” to a close, Mr. Kinst asked for and received a motion to adjourn.
”I second,” said Ms. Le, issuing the last word at her last meeting.

