Ella Baker Elementary students “Give Light” during Grand Opening Ceremony

“One of the most important jobs…” began Dr. Jane Stavem, Superintendent. “Is to be a changemaker?” a student in the front asked earnestly. Dr. Stavem smiled and agreed with the student that changemakers are important – especially those who choose to teach!

Empowering students to be changemakers was a common theme during the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Ella Baker Elementary School on Oct. 5. Ella Baker was a leader and mentor during the Civil Rights movement.

Teachers joined fifth-graders and 4/5 Quest students in singing, “Together We Can Change the World” by Mark Shepard. The whole school echoed a famous quote from Baker: “Give light and people will find the way.” The quote was put to music by Greg Artzner and Terry Leonino in the song “Give Light.”

Principal Kim Bilanko and Superintendent Stavem cut the ceremonial ribbon.

District staff in attendance were: Superintendent Dr. Jane Stavem, Deputy Superintendent Jon Holmen, Associate Superintendent Matt Manobianco, Associate Superintendent Mike Van Orden, Associate Superintendent Barbara Posthumus, Director of School Support - Redmond Learning Community Sue Anne Sullivan, Director of Support Services Forrest Miller, and Director of Communications Shannon Parthemer.

Community representatives included: Washington State Sen. Manka Dhingra, School Board President Siri Bliesner, School Board Vice President Mark Stuart, School Board Member Cassandra Sage, Executive Director of Lake Washington Schools Foundation Larry Wright, Lake Washington PTSA Council President Mindy Lincicome, and Chris Ricketts and Kevin LeClair from King County.

Members of the project team included: Lisa Johnson, Noah Greenberg and Miranda Karli from DLR Group; Andrew Johnson, Matt McKinney and Bill Michie from Lydig Construction; and Project Manager Ethel Vural and Steve Murakami from OAC Services.

Ribbon Cutting Highlight Video (2 minutes) | Facebook Live Full Video (37 minutes)