Schools

Remembering BUSD Retired Board Member Terry Doran

Doran spent more than four decades working in the Berkeley Unified School District. He died on New Year's Day after a battle with cancer.

From the Berkeley Unified School District

Terry Doran began teaching in the Berkeley Unified School District in 1966, serving Berkeley students as a classroom teacher until he retired and ran for the school board in 1998. A cancer survivor, he joined the Board with a sparkle in his eye and high hopes for the eight years he hoped to be on the Board. He was re-elected to a second term, and in his eight years served as board president twice.

Upon his retirement from the Board in November 2006, he received a proclamation from the Board, noting his "efforts at passing the school parcel taxes Measures BB in 2000, Measure B in 2004 and Measure A in 2006, the improvement of the food quality in the Berkeley public schools, his defense of the Student Assignment Plan and his commitment and affection towards students."

Find out what's happening in Berkeleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Former Superintendent Michele Lawrence was quoted in a Daily Planet article on Board President Doran’s retirement.  “His humanity came across at every school board meeting public hearing,” said Lawrence. “Since I have been on the board, Terry’s strong advocacy for equality in classrooms and humanity has helped guide my decisions.”

In his retirement years Doran continued to serve the District and the community serving on various BUSD committees and as a commissioner on the City of Berkeley Zoning Adjustments Board.

Find out what's happening in Berkeleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Terry Doran continued his involvement in the community until cancer returned a second time. He died on New Years Day, January 1, 2012. His wife Lenore, sons Colin and Andy, their wives and his grandchildren were with Terry in his last days.

Did you know Terry Doran? Share your memories in the comments.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here