Susan Jean Steelman-Bragato State and nationally known organizer of and advocate for charter public schools
August 25, 1957 – January 5, 2005 Survived by: Susan is survived by her children, Jenna Bragato, a sophomore at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Chris Bragato, a junior at Serra High School in San Mateo; her ex-husband, Larry Bragato of San Carlos; her parents, Claude and Leota Steelman of San Carlos; her sister, Nancy Steelman, along with brother-in-law Tom Samuels, niece Katherine and nephew, Erik, all of New Suffolk, NY. Background: Born in Los Angeles, raised in Redondo Beach until age 11, moved to San Carlos in 1968 where she has lived except for college. Life Overview: Personally, a life marked by passion and commitment for everything she undertook. Nonjudgmental, accepting, positive, warm, humorous, self-deprecating, always willing to help (or recruit) a friend. She laughed with friends and about herself. Mother of two, who guided them with love, participated in their activities, watched their many sporting events, and gave them the latitude necessary to become independent, capable, loving and responsible teenagers. A natural and effective leader who was tapped to head almost every organization to which she belonged. Never doubted her ability to figure out how to get something done. Never asked for recognition. Professionally, a career marked by her ability to write and speak clearly and persuasively, recruit talented and very loyal volunteers and employees, manage day-to-day operations in great detail then step back and develop broad strategic organizational and communications plans, and thoroughly execute all jobs undertaken. Well known public speaker, comfortable addressing groups of 10 to 1,000. “Educational Entrepreneur” and crusader for causes and people she believed in. While never a teacher, Susan became known throughout the educational community in California and nationally for her pioneering work in starting, developing and promoting charter schools, associations, conferences and resources. She has been instrumental in the initial success of charter schools in California, earning the respect of state legislators, education agency officials, and the media. Contributed to the creation of charter school programs and associations around the country. She was committed to fiscal and programmatic accountability in charter schools and school choice in public education. Education Graduated from Heather Elementary School and Tierra Linda Middle School in San Carlos. San Carlos High School, 1976. Anecdote: A fidgety girl in kindergarten who couldn’t sit still. Wanted to be doing things. The kindergarten teacher considered having Susan stand in the corner for her “restlessness,” but told her mother, “But I don’t want to squash Susan’s spirit because some day she’s going to grow up and impact the world.” At San Carlos High School, Susan was editor of the yearbook, was a leader in “Youth in Government,” often traveling to Sacramento to observe firsthand how government really works, a skill she later used adroitly. Named “Outstanding Senior.” Accepted a full scholarship to Pepperdine University in Malibu, nationally known for its communications program. Became editor of the school’s award-winning newspaper, its magazine and its yearbook – the first person in Pepperdine history to hold all three positions. Graduated in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science. While in college, was a congressional intern in Washington, D.C. with the Environmental Study Conference. Anecdote: During a study abroad term in Germany, managed to get a jail-cell interview with convicted Nazi war criminal Rudolf Hess at the Allied Military Prison, Spandau, Berlin. Susan was not afraid to ask for anything. “They can only tell me no,” she was often heard to say. Professional Carter for President Re-election Campaign Team, 1980 Immediately after college became part of the campaign re-election team for President Jimmy Carter. Served on the White House Press Advance Team, paving the way for the arrival of the President during his campaign visits, a role that lead to her being named Jimmy Carter’s press secretary for the Western United States during the campaign. 1980-81 -- Ketchum Advertising, San Francisco. Account Representative. Anecdote: Ketchum had the McDonald’s account. Susan was “in charge” of Ronald McDonald. Recruited her husband to be Ronald’s “driver.” Had to “fire” Ronald McDonald for his failure to appear at an event full of eagerly awaiting children. California Beef Council, Foster City – Director of Communications, 1981-1985.
EF Foundation. Regional Coordinator. 1987-1990.
Anecdote: Promised a warm bed for every teenager’s month-long stay on the Peninsula. For the first “shipment” of students she was still short of housing for two students -- three hours before the plane was to arrive at SFO. Called a friend with three children under four years old who’d already turned her down. By the end of the conversation the friend agreed to host BOTH French teenagers – and hosted students in four subsequent years. San Carlos Charter Learning Center. 1993-1998
Comment: Susan’s two children chose not to attend the SC Charter Learning Center. She believed that each parent must understand his/her child’s own learning style and needs. As such, she worked for other families to have the opportunity to participate in the non-traditional educational model of the charter school. California Network of Educational Charters (CANEC), founding executive director, 1994-2002, San Carlos
Comment: Susan started CANEC in her dining room. Outgrowing the dining table, she set up office in a closet-size room of the organization’s first member, the San Carlos Charter Learning Center. Her real job, however, was as a marketing assistant to leading real estate agent John Shroyer (Re/Max, San Carlos). Shroyer recognized Susan’s commitment to “connect” the emerging charter schools and gave her flexibility to use a good part of her time organizing the new association. Susan worked to establish CANEC without a salary for the first twoyears, performing all functions for the fledgling non profit. Many friends thought she was crazy to put in so much work for no financial return. The significance of her work was that she understood, correctly, that the success of this new brand of public schools would in large part depend on a network for sharing information and experiences on issues including administration, hiring, finance, recruitment, curriculum, and facilities -- much they way commercial entrepreneurs have used “incubators” to assist in the start up of new businesses. During her tenure, the organization became the model statewide charter schools advocacy organizations across the country. Susan became a sought-after authority and spokesperson on charter school law, operational issues, finance, advocacy and community outreach.
Hart Vision Award, 1997,for her role in furthering the cause of charter schools in California. Named in honor of Gary Hart, 20-year state legislator and former Chair of the Senate Education Committee. Leadership in Action Award, 2002, presented by Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown, the first recipient. Won numerous state and national awards for public relations, educational films, writing and publication design from Society of Professional Journalists, Public Relations Society of America and National Agricultural Marketing Association. Listed in Who's Who in the World and Who's Who in America. Work on Behalf of Breast Cancer Awareness and Research During the last two years of her life, Susan used her advocacy skills to campaign for breast cancer research and awareness while undergoing over 50 chemotherapy treatments. In August 2004, Susan was the featured speaker at the American Cancer Society’s San Carlos-Belmont Chapter Relay for Life rally. Ever crusading, she called for increased federal spending on cancer prevention and treatment. She noted that in 2003 $698 million was dedicated to breast cancer research through the National Institutes of Health while in 2004 a congressional panel recommended a budget of $15.1 billion in the next fiscal year for the country’s moon-Mars exploration plan. “Have any of you seen a ‘Relay for Mars?’ I say let's conquer cancer before we conquer Mars.”
Three years before, prior to her diagnosis, she had participated in the rally as a night chaperon, with her two teenagers participating on the team. In her recent speech, Susan recalled watching the survivor's lap and the emotions of seeing bravery and courage at its best. Never in her wildest dreams had she considered that she would one day be walking that survivor’s lap, which she did for two years. Shortly before her death, and at the urging of a networked group of hundreds of fellow breast cancer survivors around the country, she initiated a website called TheDarkerSideOfPink.org. The goal is to raise awareness about the lack of significant research dollars allocated to metastatic breast cancer research and treatment and to urge women to take personal responsibility to detect and seek treatment for breast cancer in its early stages. That website is still in its development stage. Community A friend to many who never hesitated to help others in need. In return, for her last two years, Susan has had a community cheering squad that has prepared food, accompanied her on medical visits, joined her on trips, assisted her children, and just shared her company. San Carlos Eaton Hills 4-H Club – Club President and project leader who helped revive the 4-H Club in the heart of the San Francisco Peninsula. Had been a member of the club as a middle and high schooler, showing steer and sheep and the San Mateo County Fair and at the Cow Palace, and becoming a 4-H All Star, the highest rank in the organization. BOK Ranch – Nineteen-year board member of organization providing therapeutic horseback riding programs for children and adults with disabilities. Miller Institute for Learning with Technology, assisting educational institutions with using technology more effectively Brittan Acres Elementary School – PTA President
Resources for comments: Friends Donna Becht – longtime San Carlos friend. Cell: 650-703-2042 Home: 594-9360 Email: Dsbecht@aol.com Joyce Strauss – longtime San Carlos friend. 592-0633; j.strauss@comcast.net Cathy Rettberg – longtime San Carlos friend. 591-2534; crettberg@sbcglobal.net John Shroyer – longtime San Carlos friend and employer who allowed her to use much of her time to start CANEC -- (650) 595-5900 Charter School contacts Gary Larson, VP of Communications, California Charter Schools Association, hired by Susan. (415) 722-0127 garyl@charterassociation.org Don Shalvey, President, Aspire Public Schools and Superintendent of San Carlos Elementary School District in 1992 when it approved the state’s first charter school petition (San Carlos Charter Learning Center.) Has worked with Susan since early 1990s to usher in charter schools in California. 510-251-1660 (x113 Cynthia Suter, Aspire media contact) Mark Kushner, founder and principal, Leadership High School, San Francisco’s first “from scratch” high school; chairs the California Department of Education’s Charter School Advisory Committee and was a CANEC President. (415) 442-720 Peter Thorp, Principal, Gateway High School, SF, past CANEC President and current California Charter Schools Association Board President. (415) 242-2654 Alice M. Miller, longtime friend, first CANEC employee, and charter school operator. Now with the CCSA 415-356-1200 alice@charterassociation.org.
Funeral Arrangements A memorial service will be held Monday, January 10, 2005 at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church, 880 Tamarack Ave., San Carlos, California. Donations Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to BOK Ranch, a therapeutic horseback riding program for children and adults with disabilities, 1815 Cordilleras, Redwood City, CA 94062
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