Have you met Sherri Cyra? She is the Deputy Superintendent for the District!
We have so many incredible staff members that are out and about in our district, so let's start by getting to know Sherri!
She has an extensive background in education. In fact, it seems to run in the family! She is a fourth-generation teacher!
Sherri began working as a 5th-grade teacher and also taught elementary and middle school Spanish. She was an elementary principal in Lodi and at West Middleton Elementary School before accepting a position at Sauk Trail Elementary.
This led to her position as the Director of Elementary Education, where she served for six years before moving to her current position as Deputy Superintendent. Sherri has held this role for six years now!
One significant part of Sherri's position is stopping in for classroom visits outside of her
meetings with principals and educators. She aims to visit each school at least once a month. When there, she can connect with both teachers and students to see the work of the educational services department in practice. "I think it's good for us to stay grounded. That's why we are doing all of the work. To support buildings and to support the work that our staff is doing with students," said Sherri.
These visits are one of Sherri's favorite parts of her job. She calls the time spent with students or staff as 'positive heart work.' It really is all about supporting staff and students for her and the department. "As a community member, parent, and employee for more than 20 years, I am deeply committed to this district and community. Even in challenging times, serving as an educator is fulfilling. Our collective work to engage, educate, and empower our learners is hard work, but it's also heart work; our students inspire me," Sherri said.
Sherri's work in the community doesn't just end at school.
Her two longest-running volunteer roles have been with the Girl Scouts and United Way of Dane County.
She has served on the education community solutions team for more than seven years at United Way and is now finishing her term as chair of the group. They help to manage all the funds and proposals that go into the education portfolio. During the beginning of the pandemic, she served on a committee that allocated funds for grassroots and community organizations that supported Dane County residents who were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
As if that wasn't enough, she also serves on the United Way Vision Council and Board of Directors, and the Board Equity Committee.
United Way is just part of Sherri's volunteer experience. She has also been heavily active in the Girl Scouts as both a troop leader and delegate to the Badgerland Council. She has stepped back from those roles slightly to make time for the dissertation for her doctoral program as well.
Her go-getter attitude certainly keeps her busy, but she is always sure to make time for her family. She also finds time for her hobbies, including fiber arts. Sherri is an exceptional artist and has even had her quilt work showcased in an exhibit at the Library of Congress in Washington
DC!
Now that you know a little more about Sherri, be sure to say hi next time you see her at school!