The published agenda for the Highline School District’s Dec. 14 board meeting set aside 20 minutes for comments regarding outgoing board president Sili Savusa.

But after more than an hour, the tributes to Savusa were still pouring in from grateful people throughout the region.

Typical were the comments from White Center Heights principal David Darling, who noted how well Savusa is known in the community.

“You know where she stands,” Darling declared. “She has been a strong advocate for social justice and equity, children and families. The school board needed her.”

Angelica Alvarez, who was elected to succeed Savusa as board president, told Savusa, “I’ve been privileged and honored to ride your coattails.” Alvarez said at regional conferences she receives respect because people say, “you’re with Sili.” Alvarez is also heading up the search for a new superintendent. A selection is expected to be made this spring.

Besides comments from fellow board members, Highline administrators and district teachers, representatives from regional organizations Savusa has been involved with added their praise.

A common theme was Savusa’s advocacy for equity. Speakers said Highline’s written equity policy, approved during Savusa’s term as president, is a model for schools throughout the state.

Another often heard comment was that although Savusa is leaving the school board, she will still be involved in educational activities--perhaps in a bigger arena.

Savusa said her parents taught her, “your life is how you live for others.”

She said she appreciated that the speakers not only talked about her but the work she has done with them.

“It is the work that is important, it’s not just the ‘Sili Show,’” Savusa added. “I’ll do anything on behalf of kids. I love the work.”

Savusa also complimented the district’s teachers and noted her harmonious relationship with them.

“When administrators and teachers fight, kids lose,” she said.

Former Evergreen High track coach and janitor Tyrone Curry, who defeated her in the Nov. election, replaced Savusa.

Curry won $3 million in the state lottery and contributed $40,000 for a new track at Evergreen.

“Tyrone is my friend,” Savusa declared. “Tyrone or me—either way the kids win. Where I need to be, I will be. My work will continue.”

King County District Court Judge David Christie swore in Curry and Bernie Dorsey, who was re-elected in the November election. Dorsey was also elected as board vice president. Michael Spear, who was also re-elected, was absent.

In other business, the board heard a report on the district’s system wide measures of success.

District strengths included suspension and expulsion rates are down 20 percent, the number of nationally board certified teachers has quadrupled, and math scores have improved in some areas.

Other positives are more students are passing Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams and more students are taking SAT and ACT tests.

“Challenges” included no change in reading and writing test scores, science scores are up but have a long way to go, the achievement gap between white and minority students is persisting, the graduation rate is stalled, the AP and IB programs are concentrated at only Aviation and Mt. Rainier high schools and the number of teachers of color has leveled off.

Board member Susan Goding expressed frustration that the district is not adopting new curriculum that she said would improve academic performance.

The board was also informed that the district will save taxpayers $3.65 million by refinancing construction bonds. The old interest rate was 5.25 percent while the new rate is 3.27 percent.