We are excited to welcome our newest board member Agda Burchard to Communities In Schools of Washington. Agda comes to CISWA with great depth of experience in the education sector.
With over 25-years professional experience in early childhood education at the local, state and federal levels, she currently works for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services where she oversees grants to states and tribal nations. The Child Care and Development Block Grant supports low-income working families through child care financial assistance and promotes children’s learning by improving the quality of early care and education and afterschool programs. Agda came to CIS of Washington after working with Communities In Schools of Kent in 2015 on Career Connections – an annual event for high school students to learn about federal employment. Over 70 students (most from CIS sites) and 100 federal staff have participated since 2015. Agda is excited to be part of the CISWA Board, “In the Kent School District, I’ve seen the success of the CIS model. Surrounding students with a community of support does empower them to stay in school and achieve in life. Schools can’t do it alone. Schools need partners like CIS who can connect students in need to mentors and community service organizations. I’m looking forward to using my skills, knowledge and connections to help CISWA support our affiliates and expand our services to more students.”
Agda Burchard has a long history volunteering in her community. She served as a Kent International Festival volunteer, Sunday school teacher, Girl Scout troop leader and PTA leader. In 2016, she was named Outstanding Advocate of the Year by Washington State PTA. As a former Kent School District school board director, she understands the challenges and barriers faced by students, families and staff improving student outcomes. As a current Puget Sound Educational Service District board director, Agda strives to lead with racial equity to eliminate the opportunity gap and help each and every student be successful in school and beyond.