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When you meet Bev Kraft, you'll notice she doesn't stand still for long. The rapid-fire "click, click, click" of her heels is a familiar sound to fellow members of the many community organizations to which she belongs. She has to keep moving because there's so much to do.
Bev moved with her husband to their North Central Phoenix home when her son, Jay, was a young child. As Jay moved through the school system, Bev stayed active in school organizations including the Orangewood PTO, Little League and Soccer League, and served on Brophy College Preparatory Mother’s Guild. Once Jay graduated from Brophy Preparatory and her husband was building a successful career as a businessman and technology developer, Bev dedicated additional time and effort to serve her community. In the years since her son's graduation, Bev has pursued individual community interests. Bev is actively involved in numerous organizations including Executive Women International (Past President) and Cactus Wren Republican Women (1st Vice President and 2nd Vice President/Program Chair for two years). After the sudden resignation of the Washington Elementary Board President, Bev accepted the position and the many challenges that came with it. Her commitment to education led her to pursue a broader path on the district's school governing board. As Governing Board President, Bev oversaw significant improvement as all 32 elementary schools reached high levels of performance. The Governing Board showed its appreciation by appointing her the first official Ambassador for Washington Elementary School District. But it's the activity not reflected on a spreadsheet that truly motivates Bev. "Community involvement is so critical to the success of our schools," she says. "One of my most important duties as a member of the school Governing Board was to encourage parents and other community members to participate in the activities and decision-making process of our schools." Bev continues, "Teachers and school staff are here every day: they understand how important this is. But those community members who don't have a child in school right now are still important participants because what happens in the schools today will affect our community tomorrow."
Orangewood Elementary recently was honored by winning the first state-wide competition for Arizona's Green House Award. Two awards were presented this year and Washington Elementary School District received both, the other being awarded to Roadrunner Elementary. In addition to her community involvement, Bev is Administration Executive at a small and viable business located in Central Phoenix. (1) This article has been updated from an earlier version, which appeared in the North Central News |
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