Sherry Wangenheim, a trustee for the Reed Union School District, announced her resignation effective December 31, 2023. Wangenheim, who has served on the board for eight years, cited her family’s relocation out of the country in June 2024 as the reason for her departure.
Wangenheim was first appointed to the board in late 2017 to fill a vacancy and subsequently won elections for two full terms in 2018 and 2022. In her resignation letter to district officials, she expressed gratitude for her time in the role, stating, “I will truly value this experience for the rest of my life.” She highlighted her pride in the accomplishments achieved during her tenure, emphasizing collaborative efforts within the district.
During her time on the board, Wangenheim served as president in 2020, 2021, and is set to serve again in 2025. Following her resignation, the board has 60 days to fill her vacant seat. At a meeting scheduled for January 13, 2024, the board will determine whether to appoint an interim replacement or call for a special election to complete Wangenheim’s term, which expires in November 2024.
In a statement, board president Shelby Tsai praised Wangenheim’s commitment to the district. “Sherry always put the best interests of the students, staff, and families of this district at the forefront of each decision and led with tremendous integrity and compassion,” Tsai remarked. Under Wangenheim’s leadership, the district made strides in closing achievement gaps, developing new student progress measurement methods, and fostering safe, inclusive learning environments.
Wangenheim, a financial planner, ran unopposed in the 2018 elections. She was re-elected in 2022 in a competitive four-way race for three available seats. Her campaign focused on helping students recover academically and socially from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside addressing fiscal issues and facilities planning within the district.
A resident of Tiburon since 2002, Wangenheim has four children who attended Reed Union schools. Before joining the board, she was actively involved in school volunteering and served on the board of the district’s parent-teacher association.
The Reed Union School District serves approximately 1,100 students from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade, encompassing Bel Aire Elementary School, Reed Elementary School, and Del Mar Middle School. The district caters to families residing in Tiburon, Belvedere, and parts of east Corte Madera. Wangenheim’s resignation marks a significant transition for the district as it prepares for future leadership decisions.
