Former president of PTO, Superintendent’s Council running for school board

Laura McLean, an Oak Ridger for the last 19 years, is running for the Oak Ridge Board of Education in the November 4 municipal election.

McLean and her husband Fred moved here for his work as a radiologist. Even after his work moved to Knoxville, the family chose to remain in Oak Ridge to educate their kids and be involved in the Oak Ridge community, a press release said. Both of the their children attended Oak Ridge schools their entire careers, including Oak Ridge Schools Preschool, Glenwood Elementary, Jefferson Middle, and Oak Ridge High School. Alex (ORHS Class of 2010) currently lives and works in Oak Ridge, and Emily (ORHS Class of 2012) is in her third year at the University of Virginia.

McLean has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

The press release said she was an active member in school organizations during her children’s education in Oak Ridge. McLean was on the Parent Committee in the Preschool, and served in several roles while her kids attended Glenwood, including PTO president, PTO vice president, Fundraising Committee member, and classroom volunteer. At Jefferson Middle, Laura served as PTO president and vice president and fundraising coordinator. At ORHS, Laura was on several parent committees and served as vice president of the PTSO. She continues to support and volunteer at Graduation Celebration.

McLean was on the Superintendent’s Council from 1996-2012, the longest tenure of any member. This council is comprised of PTO presidents and representatives from all Oak Ridge Schools. The council meets monthly with the school superintendent to discuss system-wide school issues. She served as president of that council from 2002-2012, where she planned and facilitated meetings with the superintendent and council members. This experience, along with her active participation as a parent, gave her valuable insight into the school system, which she hopes to apply as a member of the School Board, the press release said.

It said McLean believes strongly in mentoring kids and has been an active volunteer in Boy Scouts of America. In Troop 129, she has served on the Troop Committee since 2003. She is also a Venture Crew leader and has taken two crews on backpacking treks to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

As a member of First United Methodist Church Oak Ridge, she has been involved in many activities there, and currently serves on the Staff Parish Relations Committee.

“My children received a great education here in Oak Ridge, and I want to continue that tradition,” McLean said. “All children deserve to get the best education possible. I am an independent and thoughtful decision maker, and will examine all the sides of issues. I would love to see more cooperation between City Council and the School Board, and I pledge to work toward that goal. Finally, I want to promote the wonderful community in Oak Ridge that my family cherishes so much. I respectfully ask for your support.”

For more information, visit McLean’s Facebook page at Laura McLean for School Board. You can also send her an email at [email protected] or call her at (865) 483-9063.