Kindness, leadership, support, connection with people, empowerment of others.

Those were all phrases voiced by Central Okanagan school trustees on Wednesday in recognition of the Central Okanagan Public Schools legacy that will reflect the public education career of the retiring deputy school superintendent Terry Beaudry. 

"You have shown us that public education is not just about policy and programs, it is also about people and education," said Central Okanagan Board of Education chair Julia Fraser. 

"The legacy you have created will be with us for years to come...you have led us with wisdom and grace. We have all become better leaders because of what we have learned from you.

"You have helped shape who we are as a school district today and for that, we will be forever grateful."

Fraser's comments came in response to Beaudry attending her final school board meeting on Wednesday as she heads into her retirement, which had been previously announced on Oct. 4. 

Other trustees echoed similar sentiments about the impact Beaudry has left on them. 

Trustee Lisa Guderyan talked about her mom, a former trustee, telling her the first person she needed to get to know upon being elected to the school board was Beaudry. 

"You have encouraged and supported me and all the trustees," she said. "You have passed on your knowledge freely and generously."

Trustee Valene Johnson also reflected on being a newcomer trustee, and how Beaudry helped build her confidence through kindness and leadership, and how grateful she has been for that support. 

In response to the kind words expressed to her, Beaudry talked about what a privilege it has been for her to work in a public education career in the Central Okanagan - as a graduate of Rutland Senior Secondary, Beaudry attended UBC to earn her education degree and returned to Kelowna to teach in 1981. 

From the classroom, Beaudry moved on to become a school principal before moving into the administration as director of instruction, assistant superintendent, and deputy superintendent roles. 

"I am very proud to have been part of the Central Okanagan Public Schools family for over four decades. I'm proud to be part of a learning organization that remains focused on continuous improvement," Beaudry said.

"When you come to the end of a career, you tend to think back to the beginning and all the memories that you take with you from the journey." 

From the school board table to the sandbox in our of the district's StrongStart Centres, Beaudry said public education is all about "heart work," ensuring each learner feels empowered to thrive, holistically so that each young adult graduates with dignity and purpose, and options and both pride in where they come from and belief in becoming who they want to be. 

She also talked about what has been a definitive passion for her throughout the last more than two decades, Indigenous education.

She comes by that passion honestly as she is part Indigenous, as she pointed to her mom, Frances Klassen, a now 88-year-old residential school survivor. 

"She has taught me about resilience, forgiveness and advocacy. Her life experiences fuelled my choice of a career and how I walk in this world," she said. 

"When Westbank First Nation councillor Jordan Coble describes our district as the gold standard in supporting Indigenous education and when the Ministry of Education and Childcare refers to School District 23 as a high-performing district, I'm proud and I'm reminded that it takes a village, from our CUPE staff to our teachers, parents, principals/vice-principals, district staff and community members...to make Central Okanagan a high performing school district."

She remembered how when moving into her director of instruction position in 2001, the school district graduation rate was just about 60 per cent, and Indigenous student graduation was 31 per cent. 

Today, the graduation rate is 98 per cent, and the Indigenous student graduation level is 86 per cent. 

Beaudry also talked about how she has worked under seven different Central Okanagan school superintendents, the longest tenure being with current superintendent/CEO Kevin Kaardal over the past 10 years. 

"You've led during some of the most challenging times...fires, floods, the pandemic, cybersecurity issues, social media...You've always come alongside your teams, bringing strategy problem solving and genuine care to finding a resolution that works in the best interests of our students," she said. 

Along with her mom, Beaudry also expressed her appreciation to her immediate family for being supportive in what can be a demanding occupation as a public education administrator. 

"I thank them for keeping me balanced and for bringing such endless joy and love, fuelling my energy and passion for this important work."

While Beaudry did not specify her immediate plans for retirement, it was widely predicted around the school board table of the hope and expectation that her passion for public education would continue to manifest itself as a volunteer for various school district activities in the years ahead. 

"Even though you are leaving, I think we will still be seeing you around," said school trustee Amy Geistlinger.