Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) board member Ed Barney was treated to some nostalgia and thanks from one of the superintendents he worked for during his 12 years on the board.
During the Nov. 26 board meeting, a letter from former superintendent Tom Murphy was read by Murphy’s daughter, Caitlyn Remington, thanking Barney for his service to the district and the community.
“I think the first time we met was at a school board meeting sometime in the 1990s. I believe you came to address the board and point out several ways they could improve education in Federal Way,” Remington read on behalf of her father. “I know that at the time, I was impressed with your demeanor, delivery, thought and common sense.”
Barney originally ran for the school board position he held for 12 years in 2001, when the position was vacant.
Murphy had been superintendent for two years, and noted that Barney always brought a level of equanimity to the board and its meetings.
“You are bright, articulate, thoughtful, caring, cooperative and insightful. You are an expert at running board meetings. Your leadership of the board during the times you were president was something I always welcomed. And you were president during some very stressful times,” Remington read from Murphy’s letter. “I learned you are a dedicated family man. I learned the pride and joy you have for your wife and children. I learned that you have a great sense of humor, and a humble, unassuming and effective way of approaching problems and challenges.”
Murphy wrote that he believed Barney became a board member out of a “sense of service” and a “desire to help improve (the) community through improving education for all children.”
“Finally, what I learned is that you are a man of integrity. Your word has always been your bond. You are who you say you are, and you do what you’ll say you’ll do. Thank you Ed, for your 12 years of service to the adults and children of the Federal Way community,” Remington concluded to a round of applause from those in attendance.
Geoffrey McAnalloy will take over Barney’s position on the school board, unseating Barney in election by a 52- to 46-percent margin.
