Surprise for school's chief at board meeting

At Monday’s La Conner School Board meeting, two women with decades-long ties to the district walked in and sat down without letting on they had a big plan.

When it came time for public comments, retired school counselor Maureen Harlan and retired board member Gretchen McCauley began lauding the accomplishments of district Superintendent Tim Bruce, who after 26 years, is leaving to take a post as a university professor.

Then came their request: “Name the school auditorium the Dr. Tim Bruce Auditorium,” Harlan said.

Bruce should be honored, she said, for “what he has done for student learning.”

Besides advocating for sports and drama, “Tim has had a part in many, many things for kids and the community,” McCauley said.

School Board President Rick Thompson had already been tipped by the woman that they wanted to name the auditorium after the Superintendent.

But for Bruce, the announce-ment was a complete shock — he couldn’t have looked more astounded if a gorilla walked in to hand out cupcakes.

After a few minutes, Bruce recovered his voice and said, “This was really unexpected. Even if the board decides not to name the building after me, it’s enough to know you brought this forward.”

Thompson said the decision on the auditorium naming will be made by the board at a future meeting.