News Release

Everett Public Schools

May 16, 2008

For more information:

Linda Hanson, Washington State PTA, 425-923-4349

Mary Waggoner, 425-385-4049

Everett school board president honored by state PTA

No one can remember this award ever going to someone who is not a state PTA board member, said Washington state PTA

immediate past president Linda Hanson about the 2008 Outstanding Service Award presented during the May 3 state

convention awards banquet to Karen Madsen.

For 17 years Madsen has served the Everett Public Schools PTA and been actively involved in the state PTA. In that time she

has attended almost every state PTA convention and legislative assembly. She is recognized as one of the state's most savvy

legislative experts and has been the author of several legislative issues submitted by the state PTA organization as well as the

school board designated author of legislative recommendations coming from Everett Public Schools. Legislators recognize her

as a credible and knowledgeable advocate for all students from her frequent times testifying over the years before many

legislative policy boards, noted Hanson.

Madsen began her school work in the classroom where she taught high school science. When she retired from that career role

to be a full-time mom, she picked up volunteerism and student advocacy and maintained strong ties to organizations that

support learning. Today she is the state school board association vice president and will run for president-elect next year. She

is the district's board liaison to the local PTA council and the incoming treasurer for the Washington Science Teachers

Assocation. She has, for many years, chaired the district's volunteer committee for the bond and levy. Maintaining her interest

in science learning, she worked with a team to formulate the science WASL, including standard-setting and determining cut

scores.

Madsen's community ties extend beyond education. She is a member of a 100-year old book club in Everett, although not a

founding member, Hanson is quick to point out. She volunteered as a mediator for the Snohomish County Dispute Resolutions

Center and served on the advisory board for the Assistance League of Everett.

Superintendent Carol Whitehead congratulated Madsen at the May 13 school board meeting and said, We are so proud to

have you honored for what you do for students.

In response Madsen emphasized her surprise and the honor she felt at receiving the award. I was stunned. To be recognized

by people who do the same work I do and by those I respect so much was profoundly humbling. There can be no greater

honor than to be recognized by the PTA.

everett

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