BURLINGTON — It didn’t matter that her parents never went to college or that she’d never been outside Washington.
Laurel Browning’s mother and father had been raised in Duvall. Browning, like them, attended the local high school. But while her parents planted deep roots in the small, inland community, Browning was born with a wanderlust and a strong desire to help people.
Next month, Browning will become Burlington-Edison School District’s superintendent. Her focused path through life has led her to exotic places and has helped shape her sense of community responsibility to this day.
“I came from a community where everyone was involved in everyone’s lives,” said Browning, who is currently the B-E assistant superintendent. “Everyone supported each other. You need a barn built? We built your barn.”
Small-town values drew her to Burlington 14 years ago when she became principal of Lucille Umbarger Elementary School.
“When I came here, I was going to a community that was really a lot like I left,” she said. “They are generous. They are committed to education and to the young people.”
Browning wants to continue that commitment and give young minds the tools they need to compete in today’s global economy.
It took a while for Browning to settle on education as her profession.
While she knew she wanted to help people, she didn’t find her true calling until she was attending class at Western Washington University.
“I wanted to find a career where I could add value to people’s lives,” she said.
She bounced around a few ideas — psychology, design, architecture — then settled on education.
At Western, she met her husband, Peter, who now works as Skagit County’s health department director.
Browning recalls living on the cheap to be able to afford travel. Her first international trip was to Mexico when she was 23.
“I really wanted to understand people,” she said. “You can’t do that if you don’t get out there.”
Since then, she’s traveled to Borneo, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and all over Europe.
She and Peter also added to their family — a boy and a girl, Blake, 9, and Piper, 8.
Browning said students today, as in her day, face the same difficulty of finding their calling.
“There’s always the challenge of trying to find what you like to do and have people believe in you,” she said. “All of those things that help them explore who they are, we didn’t have that growing up.”
Students today are far better prepared than she was, she said. Today, B-E High students explore their life options through a process called PAWS: Portfolio of Academic and Work Skills.
Students take trips to college campuses as part of the school day, something unheard of when Browning attended high school in the early 80’s.
Times have changed, she said. Browning wants to engender in students a love of learning and a desire to better themselves after high school.
“We have doubled our Advanced Placement courses,” she said. “We have opportunities in our career center like no other. We want to expose kids to all of the different careers post high school. Students need to have some kind of education past high school to make a decent income, whether that’s trade school or a two-year college. There’s multiple paths.”
But to offer a solid education, teachers and administration alike must continue to improve their skills, she said. Browning wants to motivate from within by being a strong leader.
“I have a passion for leadership,” she said. “How do you develop great leaders? How do you help the people find their strengths and build on their strengths? We know people stay at organizations because of other people.”
The district’s consultant for the superintendent search, John Fotheringham, has said that he’s tried to recruit Browning away from the district in his searches for other districts in the state.
But Browning said she was never tempted.
“Look at where we are,” she said. “I stayed in Burlington because of the commitment from the community to the schools.”
Despite the recent failures of school bond issues, Browning remains undeterred.
“After 14 years, I’ve helped build this with everybody,” she said. “I want to be part of where we’re going for the next 10 years. ... I believe in the people here. I just want to build on that. And I feel like I have a lot to offer.”
• Kate Martin can be reached at 360-416-2145 or at .
Dedication to education
Submitted Photo
Laurel Browning takes over as Burlington-Edison School District superintendent on July 1.
This article has been viewed 552 times
Previous Story• Class Reunions |
Next Story• Border signs tell motorists how long they'll wait |
More Local News
Top Jobs
Admin. Asst. 20 - 30 hrs/wk. Experience preferred but will train. Tammie @ Washington Iron Works, Inc.,…
WE ARE HIRING!!! MARINE MECHANICS Preferred candidates will be MerCruiser or Volvo certified & have 3+…
TABLE GAMES DEALERS Base Pay & Tips 1 skilled $7.00/hr. 2 skilled $7.75/hr 3 skilled $8.50/hr 4 skilled…
FRONT DESK HELP Good PR skills a must. Apply in person. Islands Inn, Anacortes
Mount Vernon ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: MOUNT VERNON The Skagit Valley…
JOB SHOP MACHINIST Fast paced Shop Wage DOE $22.00-$30.00 @Hr, Benefits and Profit Sharing. Manual Machines…
Assistant Bookkeeper Owner of a fast paced retail store seeking P/T assistant to help w/bookkeeping &…
Licensed Vet Technician position available in busy small animal practice. Must be self-motivated and…
SALES EXPERIENCE A MUST, AUTO SALES A PLUS! We need 2 motivated enthusiastic individuals. Opportunity…
OPHTHALMIC ASSISTANT Looking for an organized person w/ the ability to multi-task, must have customer…
911 Dispatchers We train. Start $17.62. Apps @ www.skagit911.com Return Mon-Thur 7am-4pm to 2911 E.College…
JEWELRY SALES AND JEWELRY MANAGERS, F/T, self motivated, custom design and more! 360-707-5444
Line Cook & Host/Counter Person Apply in person at Seed's Bistro or Calico Cupboard
HOUSECLEANERS wanted Mon.-Fri. for established Anacortes business. Must have vehicle & WDL. (360) 293-2349,…
Mount Vernon ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: MOUNT VERNON The Skagit Valley…
FARM TRUCK & TRACTOR OPERATOR. Valid drivers lic. req'd. 360-724-3375
The Skagit Valley Herald is now hiring for: OUTSIDE ADVERTISING SALES Join our dynamic Outside Sales…
WA State Dept. of Agriculture is seeking a P/T POTATO INSPECTOR for the Mt. Vernon area. Applications…
Per Dona Salon and Spa is under new ownership and looking for a P/T or F/T Spa Coordinator/ Receptionist…
Immediate openings for Washboard Laundry. Apply in person: 1806 Riverside Dr, MV
LA CONNER RETIREMENT INN is seeking full time dependable CAREGIVERS to assist our residents with medication…
Foundations Formsetters wanted. Exp. or will train. Wage DOE + benefits. 293-8387; Fax 293-8352
FOSTER CARE RESOURCES P/T Case Manager. Seeking professional person with good interpersonal skills, sound…
Marine manufacturing and repair. Hiring laminator's, patch & detail. Min. 2 yrs exp. Call (360)398-1328…
Administrative Assistant Meridian Center Electric is currently taking applications for our full time…
REFINERY MAINTENANCE Tesoro is currently seeking to fill the following positions at its Anacortes refinery:…
Courier/Drivers F/T positions avail. Union pay & benefits. Call 360-707-5391
Due to growth and promotions, Josephine is hiring. RN's LPN's - $2500 Sign on Bonus Afternoons 2pm-10:30pm…
Boat manufacturer is seeking experienced Aluminum Welder/Fitters. 2 years minimum experience in welding…
CNC MACHINIST Fast Paced Shop Wage DOE $22.00-$30.00 @ Hr, Benefits and Profit Sharing. Must Know MasterCam,…
Receptionist Looking for a receptionist to join our cosmetic skin care center. Must be enthusiastic,…
LPN NOC shift, wanted for MV dementia care residence. Very competitive wages. Benefits & a pleasant work…
La Conner Channel Lodge now accepting applications for Housekeeping Staff Flexible work days and a great…
Draft Pic's Sports Bar& Grill now hiring experienced Line Cook Top pay. Apply in person. 516 S. First…
Here we Grow Again! We are expanding our sales team. Must have excellent communication and customer service…
Specialty medical office seeks Clerical/ Receptionist F/T, Mon-Fri. Position req's organization, professional…
2 DISTRICT ASSISTANTS 20+ hours a week. Job duties include but are not limited to: 4AM - 8AM $8.50/hour…
GRAPHIC DESIGN POSITION The Skagit Valley Herald has an immediate opening in our graphic design department…
AUTO MECHANIC wanted with experience. Must have own tools. Contact Steve at 360-856-2866
Love iPods, GPS and Cell phones? Join our team! Full or Part time at Anacortes dealer store. Apply at…
Dominos Pizza Drivers Wanted. Get cash every shift. 18 or older. Apply in person 1600 E. College Way.…
MEDICAL ASSISTANT 32+ hrs/wk. Qualifications: Certification from an approved Medical Assistant program.…
CAREGIVERS NEEDED! PT NAC/NAR with current CPR and First Aid. Mental health and dementia training a plus.…
Currently seeking SECURITY OFFICERS in the Anacortes area. Starting wage at $13.00. Applicants must be…
Cheesemaking Opportunity in Bow. Will train, P/T or F/T option. PO Box 202, Bow, 98232 or cheese@ rootabaga.com…
Samish Indian Nation / Now Recruiting, Head Start Team Teacher/ Case Manager, 40 hour week Non Exempt…
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST 36+ hrs/week, M-F, 8-5 to work in the surgery scheduling dept. Looking for an individual…
PERSONAL LINES CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT: Wycoff Insurance is looking for a full time Personal Lines Customer…
WE ARE HIRING!!! MARINE MECHANICS Preferred candidates will be MerCruiser or Volvo certified & have 3+…
TABLE GAMES DEALERS Base Pay & Tips 1 skilled $7.00/hr. 2 skilled $7.75/hr 3 skilled $8.50/hr 4 skilled…
FRONT DESK HELP Good PR skills a must. Apply in person. Islands Inn, Anacortes
Mount Vernon ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: MOUNT VERNON The Skagit Valley…
JOB SHOP MACHINIST Fast paced Shop Wage DOE $22.00-$30.00 @Hr, Benefits and Profit Sharing. Manual Machines…
Assistant Bookkeeper Owner of a fast paced retail store seeking P/T assistant to help w/bookkeeping &…
Licensed Vet Technician position available in busy small animal practice. Must be self-motivated and…
SALES EXPERIENCE A MUST, AUTO SALES A PLUS! We need 2 motivated enthusiastic individuals. Opportunity…
OPHTHALMIC ASSISTANT Looking for an organized person w/ the ability to multi-task, must have customer…
911 Dispatchers We train. Start $17.62. Apps @ www.skagit911.com Return Mon-Thur 7am-4pm to 2911 E.College…
JEWELRY SALES AND JEWELRY MANAGERS, F/T, self motivated, custom design and more! 360-707-5444
Line Cook & Host/Counter Person Apply in person at Seed's Bistro or Calico Cupboard
HOUSECLEANERS wanted Mon.-Fri. for established Anacortes business. Must have vehicle & WDL. (360) 293-2349,…
Mount Vernon ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: MOUNT VERNON The Skagit Valley…
FARM TRUCK & TRACTOR OPERATOR. Valid drivers lic. req'd. 360-724-3375
The Skagit Valley Herald is now hiring for: OUTSIDE ADVERTISING SALES Join our dynamic Outside Sales…
WA State Dept. of Agriculture is seeking a P/T POTATO INSPECTOR for the Mt. Vernon area. Applications…
Per Dona Salon and Spa is under new ownership and looking for a P/T or F/T Spa Coordinator/ Receptionist…
Immediate openings for Washboard Laundry. Apply in person: 1806 Riverside Dr, MV
LA CONNER RETIREMENT INN is seeking full time dependable CAREGIVERS to assist our residents with medication…
Foundations Formsetters wanted. Exp. or will train. Wage DOE + benefits. 293-8387; Fax 293-8352
FOSTER CARE RESOURCES P/T Case Manager. Seeking professional person with good interpersonal skills, sound…
Marine manufacturing and repair. Hiring laminator's, patch & detail. Min. 2 yrs exp. Call (360)398-1328…
Administrative Assistant Meridian Center Electric is currently taking applications for our full time…
REFINERY MAINTENANCE Tesoro is currently seeking to fill the following positions at its Anacortes refinery:…
Courier/Drivers F/T positions avail. Union pay & benefits. Call 360-707-5391
Due to growth and promotions, Josephine is hiring. RN's LPN's - $2500 Sign on Bonus Afternoons 2pm-10:30pm…
Boat manufacturer is seeking experienced Aluminum Welder/Fitters. 2 years minimum experience in welding…
CNC MACHINIST Fast Paced Shop Wage DOE $22.00-$30.00 @ Hr, Benefits and Profit Sharing. Must Know MasterCam,…
Receptionist Looking for a receptionist to join our cosmetic skin care center. Must be enthusiastic,…
LPN NOC shift, wanted for MV dementia care residence. Very competitive wages. Benefits & a pleasant work…
La Conner Channel Lodge now accepting applications for Housekeeping Staff Flexible work days and a great…
Draft Pic's Sports Bar& Grill now hiring experienced Line Cook Top pay. Apply in person. 516 S. First…
Here we Grow Again! We are expanding our sales team. Must have excellent communication and customer service…
Specialty medical office seeks Clerical/ Receptionist F/T, Mon-Fri. Position req's organization, professional…
2 DISTRICT ASSISTANTS 20+ hours a week. Job duties include but are not limited to: 4AM - 8AM $8.50/hour…
GRAPHIC DESIGN POSITION The Skagit Valley Herald has an immediate opening in our graphic design department…
AUTO MECHANIC wanted with experience. Must have own tools. Contact Steve at 360-856-2866
Love iPods, GPS and Cell phones? Join our team! Full or Part time at Anacortes dealer store. Apply at…
Dominos Pizza Drivers Wanted. Get cash every shift. 18 or older. Apply in person 1600 E. College Way.…
MEDICAL ASSISTANT 32+ hrs/wk. Qualifications: Certification from an approved Medical Assistant program.…
CAREGIVERS NEEDED! PT NAC/NAR with current CPR and First Aid. Mental health and dementia training a plus.…
Currently seeking SECURITY OFFICERS in the Anacortes area. Starting wage at $13.00. Applicants must be…
Cheesemaking Opportunity in Bow. Will train, P/T or F/T option. PO Box 202, Bow, 98232 or cheese@ rootabaga.com…
Samish Indian Nation / Now Recruiting, Head Start Team Teacher/ Case Manager, 40 hour week Non Exempt…
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST 36+ hrs/week, M-F, 8-5 to work in the surgery scheduling dept. Looking for an individual…
PERSONAL LINES CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT: Wycoff Insurance is looking for a full time Personal Lines Customer…
