The Brentwood School District Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 21, to conduct its annual reorganization and welcome new members.

With three open positions and three candidates filing, no election was required this year. Claire O’Brien and Michelle Ross were sworn in as new members, while Lindsay Spencer was sworn in to continue her service for a fourth term.

The board also reorganized and thanked two outgoing members for their service: Keith Rabenberg, who concluded an extraordinary 30 years on the board, and Ryan Dodson, who completed a three-year term.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, the board elected officers for the year ahead:

• Ryan Flynn, President
• Mark Cicero, Vice President
• Katherine Spal, Secretary
• Katie Clark, Treasurer
• Claire O’Brien, Director
• Michelle Ross, Director
• Lindsay Spencer, Director

Superintendent Dr. Amy Zielinski expressed appreciation for the contributions of both departing members, highlighting their impact on the district and community.

Dodson was recognized for his role in supporting the completion of major district projects, including the construction of the new McGrath Elementary School and Brentwood Early Childhood Center, and the renovation of Mark Twain Elementary School. Through his work on the Finance and Facilities Committee, he helped strengthen processes to ensure they remained thoughtful, transparent and aligned with best practices.

“Ryan has approached board service with a clear sense of purpose, always keeping students at the center while ensuring the district operates in a responsible and sustainable way,” said Dr. Zielinski. “His contributions have helped position Brentwood well for the future.”

Rabenberg was honored for his 30 years of dedicated service, during which he served as board president multiple times and helped guide the district through periods of growth, change and challenge. He played a key role in the passage of bond and tax initiatives that significantly enhanced district facilities and learning environments.

“Keith’s legacy is one of service, leadership and deep care for this community,” said Dr. Zielinski. “His steady guidance, thoughtful leadership and commitment to what is best for students have made a lasting impact on Brentwood. Generations of students have benefited from his work, and our district is stronger because of his dedication.”

As elected representatives of the residents of the Brentwood School District, the seven-member Board of Education serves as the governing body for the community’s public school system. The school board sets district policies, selects and evaluates the superintendent of schools, adopts the annual budget, and determines the annual tax rates.

Board members serve three-year overlapping terms, with two or three members selected each year. These individuals, who receive no salary, are committed and engaged citizens who devote countless hours in service to students and the Brentwood community.