Source: Santee School District
May 8, 2026 (Santee) – The Santee School District Board of Education voted to rename the Douglas E. Giles Educational Resource Center to the Barbara L. Ryan Educational Resource Center, to honor Mrs. Ryan’s leadership and service to the school district and community.
“I am deeply honored by this recognition. Serving the students, families, and staff of the Santee School District has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” said Ryan. “I am sincerely grateful to my fellow board members and community partners for selecting me for this meaningful honor. This is a reflection of the collective dedication and shared commitment to student success among the many board members, leaders, educators, and community partners I’ve had the privilege to work alongside throughout the years.”
The Educational Resource Center was previously named in honor of Douglas E. Giles, who served the Santee School District as Superintendent for 14 years and worked alongside Board Member Barbara Ryan during a significant period of the district’s growth and development. The Board’s decision to rename the facility reflects not a replacement of that legacy, but an opportunity to recognize Ryan’s extraordinary decades of leadership and service, while honoring the shared foundation built through the dedication of leaders who have helped shape the district over time.
First elected in 1979 as an inaugural Board member, Ryan has served continuously for more than 47 years, making her the longest-serving school board member in San Diego County. Over nearly five decades, she has served in every capacity of the Board—from member to President—helping to lay the foundation for the district we see today.
Throughout her tenure, Ryan has worked collaboratively with dozens of board members and superintendents, guiding the district through multiple eras of challenge and change, including economic recessions, a global pandemic, and increasingly complex political climates. In every circumstance, she has remained steadfast in keeping students at the center of every decision. Her leadership exemplifies the Santee School District’s mission: providing an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.
One of Ryan’s most impactful roles has been as the Board’s Legislative Representative. She has tirelessly advocated on behalf of students, staff, and families at the local, state, and national levels, focusing on educational policy, funding, and student health and wellness. Through Ryan’s recent advocacy, Santee School District was selected as one of only four districts in San Diego County to pilot the Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program in partnership with the California Department of Health Care Services. As a result of her leadership in this grant process, the district secured more than $3 million to expand mental health services for students.
Ryan has also recently been awarded the 2026 Honoring Our Own Award Dede Alpert Board Member of the Year from the San Diego County School Boards Association and was recognized by California Senator Brian Jones in his 2026 Distinguished Women of the District awards.
Beyond the district, Ryan’s commitment to children and families is reflected in her extensive community service and leadership across numerous local, county, and statewide organizations. She has held key leadership roles with the San Diego County School Boards Association and the California School Boards Association, including many years as a CSBA Delegate Assembly, and has served on boards and commissions dedicated to children’s well-being, education, and community development.
Barbara Ryan’s lifetime of service, principled leadership, and unwavering advocacy have made a lasting impact on generations of students and families. She is a true champion for public education and an extraordinary example of service-driven leadership.
A dedication ceremony and reception will take place on May 12. Details are in the image.