We are here today to honor an outstanding educator who has devoted 42 years 
of her life to the children of Downey.  I consider her a close personal friend, and 
she has been a mentor to me throughout my career.  Donna retired from the 
District in January but has been busy volunteering at our schools ever since.    

Donna was raised in the City of Downey and attended Downey Elementary 
School, Downey Junior High School, and Downey High School.  Her father, 
Marvin Ganser was a master carpenter and her mother, Reatha was a custodian 
and utility worker who retired from the DUSD.  Donna has one brother, Kenny, 
and one sister, Gayle.  She will be married to her husband, George Boose, 49 
years in June.  They have one son, Brent, who is married to my administrative 
assistant, Jennifer.  Both George and Donna take great pleasure in their two 
grandsons, Steven and Kurtis.

Donna has always like sports.  For years I have been hearing stories (from Pat 
Rooney) about her days on the baseball team in elementary school.  Right here 
at Downey High, she received the Bank of America Liberal Arts award and was a 
lifetime member of honor roll.  


Education:

BA  Pepperdine University
MS  USC

Honors:

PTA Honorary Service Award, Silver Bar, and Golden Oak
First inductee to the DHS Hall of Fame in the area of education

Work Experience:  Four years experience in an elementary school in Gardena 
before Brent was born.
1961-63     2 years   Gauldin Elementary 
1963-68	5 years   Downey Elementary
1968-69	1 year    Elementary Curriculum Specialist
1969-72	3 years   Principal, Unsworth (school closed)
1972-78	6 years   Principal, Lewis (school closed)
1978-79	     1 year    Principal, Gauldin
1979-87	8 years   Director, Elementary Instruction
1987-03     16 years Deputy Superintendent


Comments from past administrative evaluations:

"Mrs. Boose displays a high energy level and exudes enthusiasm for teaching and 
life in general. . . . Mrs. Boose possesses those ethical and professional 
standards sought by the profession . . . Mrs. Boose is a highly resourceful and 
creative teacher.  Her programs include a rich variety of multi-sensory, multi-
level materials and techniques geared to the needs of her children.  Various 
quotes 1961-1968 when Donna was a teacher by Kenneth R. Lopour, Sr.  Ken 
hired Donna into the District and was her principal at both Gauldin Elementary
School and Downey Elementary School.


"Donna has a sparkling personality which lends itself to every facet of her work.  
She is always ready to be helpful; unselfish with her time and service.  She 
brings out the best in others."   1969 when Donna was an Elementary Curriculum 
Specialist - John Milam, Director Elementary Instruction

Written in a memo to Gus Shiney  "I share in your general conclusion that she is 
a very effective administrator. . . . I am especially enthusiastic about her 
competencies in the area of instructional leadership and curriculum 
improvement.  We need for some of our principals to lead the way in this most 
needed area. . . . Donna Boose is one of our best nominations to the Board for 
professional advancement."   1970 when Donna was a principal - Manual 
Gallegos, Superintendent


"Outstanding administrator whose success stems not only from her 
organizational ability but her review of the total situation and the ability to 
determine an appropriate course of action making the most of available 
resources and personnel."  1986 when Donna was Director, Elementary 
Instruction  - Gus Shiney, Assistant Superintendent
 

(December retirement presentation)
When a great ball player retires, they retire his jersey.  In the case of the DUSD,
with Donna's retirement we will retire her title of Deputy Superintendent.  She is 
one of a kind and absolutely irreplaceable. 

The good news is that Donna isn't leaving us.  She will remain active and 
involved in the schools and community for many years to come.        


(Gym presentation)

Donna and George love attending all sorts of high school sporting events.  It is 
very fitting that we honor her at the Donna Ganser Boose Sports Center today.

Now I would like to introduce D. Mark Morris, President of the Board of 
Education.