Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation Announces New Board Members and Officers

August 10, 2010

Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation announces the appointment of three new members to its board of directors. Members Laurie Barnett, Samuel Beck and Andrew Paterson assume duties this month.  Barnett and Paterson will serve three-year terms; Beck, as a student member of the Board of Directors, will serve for one year. Officers slated include Helen Starman as Board Chairperson, Christy Perros as Immediate Past Chair and Omari Rush as Vice Chairperson, Sheila Carpenter assumes the role of Secretary and Rob Marschall continues as Treasurer.

Samuel Beck is an incoming senior at Pioneer High School.  He is currently Vice President of the Key Club service organization, and taking business classes to qualify for a High School MBA Award when he completes his studies.

“ I want to be on this board because it’s a great opportunity to help our public schools,” said Beck. “Education is very important to me because I’m in school, but the schools need money, and the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation – it brings in the money.”  Beck attended Bach Elementary and Slauson Middle School in Ann Arbor.  He is employed at Washtenaw Dairy and assists in the education programs at Temple Beth Emeth.

Laurie Barnett is a freelance writer, editor and marketing communications consultant with 25 years experience in public relations and communications.  She was also co-owner of a full-service bookstore in Flint for 12 years.  Barnett has two grown sons and two daughters who attend Clague Middle School and Huron High School.  She served as co-chair of King’s School Improvement Team and was president of King’s PTO.  Her community involvement also includes board service for the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor as well as work with the “It Takes A Millage” Steering Committee. 

Asked why she is involved with the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation, Barnett states: “I truly believe that the heart of a community is its public education system.  Strong Ann Arbor schools mean a strong Ann Arbor.  As a parent of four children, I want to help make our schools as effective and outstanding as possible – not just for my kids, but for all the kids of this community now and into the future.”   

Andrew Paterson serves as President of Michigan Energy Generation, and is employed by Hitachi Metals America.  He is a Michigan native who worked for more than a decade in the automotive supply industry in program management, sales and marketing, and quality control.  He and his wife Laura have two young children, ages 3 and 1.   

Paterson explains his interest in the serving on the AAPSEF’s board. 

“I want to give back to the community, and be involved with the school system to help shape children’s lives.”

The Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation’s Executive Committee includes the following officers:  Board Chair, Helen Starman, Director of Development for the Interfaith Hospitality Network at Alpha House; Immediate Past Chair, Christy Perros, co-owner of Absolute Title, Inc.: Vice Chair, Omari Rush, Education Manager for University Musical Society; Secretary, Sheila Carpenter, Instructional Designer; and Treasurer, Rob Marschall, Vice President for Business Banking, KeyBank.

The Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation (AAPSEF) is an independent, community-based, non-profit organization committed to helping all Ann Arbor Public Schools students achieve their highest potential by providing community support for innovative and excellent educational opportunities. Donations can be made online by visiting the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation website at www.supportannarborschools.org, or by sending a check payable to AAPSEF at 2555 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104.  Contributors can also arrange to make monthly pledge payments with a scheduled draft from their credit card or checking accounts by contacting Educational Foundation staff at (734) 994-1969.

For more information and interviews, please contact Wendy Correll at wcorrell@aapsef.org or (734) 994-1969.