Ranae Bartlett to assume Helms’ position on school board

A replacement has been named to fill the seat of long-time Board of Education member Sue Helms, whose tenure ends this year.

Bartlett

Ranae Bartlett will assume the position June 1.

“I’ve always been an advocate for public education,” Bartlett said.

She has a son in the Madison City School system.

Before moving to Madison eight years ago, the Arkansas native worked as the assistant general council for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

She received a bachelor’s of science degree with a double major in math and political science from the University of Central Arkansas, and a law degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Bartlett said she and her husband “needed a different pace” after her son was born, so they relocated to Madison.

“I think my legal background will be helpful,” she said. “The school board faces a number legal issues and I have the experience and understanding of the fiduciary obligations a board member has.”

Bartlett has served in numerous volunteer positions since she’s been in Madison.

She has served on the Blue Ribbon Committee and the Capital Planning Committee, Policy Committee, to name a few.

“I have so much respect for my predecessor Sue Helms,” she said. “It’s going to be difficult to fill her shoes, but I have learned so much from working with her. I’ve She’s always puts kids first and I’m going to try to continue that and use that as my guiding compass.”