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BUSD Retired Board Member Terry Doran Passes after Battle with Cancer

By Mark Coplan (BUSD Information Officer)
Tuesday January 03, 2012 - 09:48:00 AM

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." 

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. 

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.