The Burbank Arts and Education Foundation recently hosted the annual State of the Schools mixer in partnership with Burbank Unified School District.
The celebration, which took place at the Federal in North Hollywood, was attended by district leadership, local education advocates and district stakeholders. Attendees witnessed keynote speeches from the district’s new superintendent, John Paramo, and school Board President Steve Ferguson, among others.
Burbank High School Jazz Ensemble provided the mood for the evening, while John Burroughs Culinary Arts provided the refreshments.
Proclaimed the “only organization that raises funds for all Burbank public schools,” BAEF chairwoman Brenda Etterbeek and Jennifer Lorigo, vice chairwoman, ran the event with elegance.
Community members, parents and leaders mingled throughout the evening and between addresses and spotlight awards which honored active community members like Sally Chan, vice president of community engagement at Warner Bros. Discover.
Attendees eagerly awaited Paramo’s freshman address. He took the stage and delivered a speech documenting his experience in education, his foray into Burbank, and what the city and school district means to him.
He then dove straight into his forecast for upcoming district policy, starting with dual enrollment in local colleges, and touching on new curriculum, teacher recognition and adult school.
“Great things are going on in Burbank. It is my job to share these things with the community. I am up for it, and I am glad to bring you along. Thanks for indulging me. I hope you have a great night,” Paramo said.
First published in the October 7 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
