WHEREAS, Barbara Mertens is retiring on June 30, 2010, after a total of forty-one years of service, the last sixteen of which she spent serving as the Assistant Executive Director of the Washington Association of School Administrators; and
     WHEREAS, Barbara Mertens is widely recognized for encouraging public school professional associations and unions to work collaboratively on education issues; and
     WHEREAS, Barbara Mertens' leadership, hard work, and innovation have made her an invaluable contributor to our education system throughout her career, whether she was serving as the Supervisor of Private schools, a Teacher, Team Leader, or House Administrator for Seattle Public Schools; a Principal in Seattle and Edmonds; or Director of Student Services in the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction; and
     WHEREAS, Barbara Mertens was the primary leader of a successful initiative to require a simple majority vote for K-12 school levy ballot issues; and
     WHEREAS, Barbara Mertens continues to be applauded for speaking her mind and "telling it like it is" for the one million children in our public schools;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate hereby commend Barbara Mertens for forty-one years of service to children and education colleagues in Washington State and for her deep commitment to serving the citizens of Washington; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Barbara Mertens.