Summary

Trustees provide oversight and governance to one of the largest library systems in the U.S.

Story

Metropolitan King County Council Vice ChairReagan Dunn introduced legislation at the Council’s September 11 meeting to appoint Pamela Grad to the King County Library System Board of Trustees.

“I am happy to sponsor Ms. Grad’s appointment to the Library System Board of Trustees and look forward to seeing how she works to serve the residents of King County during her term,” said Dunn. “I know her years of experience as a Kent School District librarian and classroom teacher will be very beneficial to the board.”

Pamela Grad has been a teacher for five years and a librarian for sixteen years at Cedar Heights Middle School in the Kent School District. Grad received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Washington before completing her Master’s in Teaching at City University with a Library Endorsement from Pacific Lutheran University.

“Libraries are for everyone. They are a great equalizer in our society providing a sanctuary for those wishing to enrich their lives,” said Grad. “The King County Library System has been this relevant and profound place for me personally and for my students over the 21 I’ve been in education. It is with profound pride and excitement that I accept this opportunity to support and grow with the King County Library System as a member of their Board of Trustees.”

In addition to dedicating herself to the education of her students, Grad has given her time to local food and clothing banks, as well as after school programs for middle schoolers. She is also a member of the Washington Library Association, Washington State PTA, and Washington Education Association.

During the 2017 Washington State Legislative Session, Dunn worked with County Council Chair Joe McDermott and Representative Joe Fitzgibbon to pass a bill expanding the board from five to seven members, the first increase in board membership in seven decades. The two additional positions the board to better represent King County’s diverse geographic areas and growing population.

“A dedicated education professional from a previously unrepresented but rapidly growing part of our county, Pamela represents exactly what our Library System’s Board needs,” said McDermott. “I look forward to her leadership, which will undoubtedly benefit all residents of the county.”

Trustees provide oversight and governance to one of the largest library systems in the U.S. Some of the responsibilities of the board include:

• Hiring and oversight of the KCLS Director, who manages the system’s operations
• Adoption of the annual budget
• Adoption of long-term strategic plans
• Adoption of a capital improvement plan

Trustees serve as at-large members for no more than two consecutive five-year terms.

Pamela Grad’s appointment was referred to the Government Accountability and Oversight Committee for discussion and possible action.