Page 25 - The Edge - BTS 2019

SUMMER CONFERENCE AND EXPO

BY DON HARRIS

Carolyn Warner
Carolyn Warner Remembered for

Outstanding Service to Education HELPING

AASBO paid tribute to Carolyn Warner as a champion and SCHOOLS
dedicated advocate for public education before, during and after her
three terms as Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Warner, who died October 9, 2018, at the age of 88, was FOCUS ON
remembered by former colleagues, friends and family as a leader
who wasn’t afraid to speak up – in her fearless, gravelly voice – for
what she believed in. At the closing session WHAT
of AASBO’s 66 Annual Conference and
th
Exposition on July 20, Warner’s daughter,
Caron Lieber, accepted on behalf of her mother MATTERS
the organization’s Outstanding Service to
Education Award.
Chuck Essigs, AASBO Director of Government MOST
Relations, made the presentation and noted
that Warner also had a close association with
ASBO International. Brian Mee
AASBO Executive Director Brian Mee, a DELIVERING COMFORT AND
former ASBO International President, said of Warner: “She was one
of a kind, an incredible lady with an incredible passion for education. UNIQUE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS
When you spoke to her, she made you feel like someone special.” THROUGH PERSONALIZED
Mee recalled a 5-hour flight from an ASBO International TECHNOLOGY.
conference to Phoenix when he was seated next to Warner. “We
solved every nancial problem in Arizona,” Mee joked. He said he
considered it an honor to have been just a little part of her life.  Energy efficiency
John Pedicone, a former school superintendent and current
educational advocate and consultant, said when Warner entered a  Facility modernization
room she lled it with her personality.  Improved environment
“She believed in public schools and she felt passionately that
they needed to be supported and funded for every child, regardless  Renewable energy
of race, religion or social status,” Pedicone said. “She was a model  Self-funding resolutions
of strength and support for women in leadership – she was always
ready and willing to help women in school administration, in
civic leadership and in politics. Like great leaders, she promoted
leadership in others. She was a multiplier, a leader who made you
feel smarter, work harder and focus on the right things.”
Pedicone said Warner interacted with every U.S. President from
Franklin Roosevelt to Barack Obama, and as a youth representative
managed to get a dance with President Truman at his inauguration.
When Warner would confront a challenge that others said was
insurmountable, she would conquer it, Pedicone said. Words he DEREK VAN ZIJLL | 480.272.3414
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