Susan Baskett

About Susan Baskett

Change agent,” “Barrier Buster,” and “Trustee” are just a few titles that I have earned in my life-time of experiences. I am best known for being the voice of the often voice-less. I have spent a lifetime advocating on behalf of those often disenfranchised. My success comes from my core competencies, including, but not limited to: organizational assessment and program evaluation; strategic development and empowerment building.I honed my skills by working in a wide variety of industries and in various capacities. I have served on nonprofit boards; been a small business owner; in nonprofit crisis management; worked in corporate advertising; and now act as a political consultant. I have focused the last 20 years on educational opportunities for all students. “ALL” meaning all students, especially black, brown and socially economically disadvantaged families. A few of my accomplishments include:• Hiring, collaborating and supervising one of the nation’s most successful public-school superintendents, Dr. Jeanice Swift Leading the reduction of student suspensions by 45%(high school) and 75%(middle school) in the last 8 years with zero expulsions in the last 7 & list=UUc8LnsMV46ul9Y2e1iz8JHw & index=19• Eliminating the on-site presence of city police officers from school Advocated for judicial fairness in treatment of African American Approved purchase of college readiness software, “Naviance” for Ann Arbor Public Schools students in 2017Let’s chat if you are seeking a non-conventional, yet experienced person to manage your next program targeting unique populations.

Experience

1. Vice President, Ann Arbor Board of Education

   Ann Arbor Public Schools

   May 2003 — Present

   I am the longest serving trustee being in my fourth term as an elected school board trustee of one of the most successful public school districts in the country. Our district has won many awards and are honored to be on my \"best of\" lists, such as \"Best 100 Communities for Music Education\". I have led successful campaign teams in some very contentious races. In my last campaign, I earned the most votes (17,121 or 15% of the overall votes casted) in a very contentious race of 9 candidates.I am one of 7 trustees who are stewards of a $200MM budget serving over students. As vice president, it is my responsibility to ensure a productive orientation for new incoming trustees and to lead the evaluation of the superintendent.Ever diligent, the Ann Arbor News once deemed me as the trustee,\"who asks the tough questions\". These questions led to implementing successful teaching strategies that dramatically reduced student suspension and expulsions. Supervised the certification of the International Baccalaureate Program at ALL three educational levels.I am not afraid to be the \'lone opposing vote\', having opposed the building of Skyline High School, hoping for a smaller building with a more focused curriculum. I opposed the 2014 proposed Whitmore Lake annexation as did 57% of the Ann Arbor voters. Most recently, I joined my colleagues in opposing any weapons, including visible guns on Ann Arbor Schools\' property. A legal case where the district prevailed and is awaiting a date with the State Supreme Court.

Education

• Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business

  Masters of Business Administration (MBA), Marketing

  1994 — 1996

• University of Michigan

  Bachelors, Sociology

Skills

• Community Outreach
• Strategic Planning
• Management
• Marketing Communications
• Public Relations
• Marketing
• Competitive Analysis
• Advertising
• Direct Marketing
• Fundraising
• Marketing Strategy
• Market Research
• Spanish
• Public Speaking
• Integrated Marketing
• Crm