The Santee School District Board of Education voted to rename the Douglas E. Giles Educational Resource Center as the Barbara L. Ryan Educational Resource Center, honoring Ryan’s decades of service to local students, families and schools.

Ryan was first elected in 1979 as an inaugural board member and has served continuously for more than 47 years, according to the district. The district says that tenure makes her the longest-serving school board member in San Diego County.

The district said the renaming is not meant to replace the legacy of Douglas E. Giles, who served as superintendent for 14 years, but to recognize Ryan’s leadership while honoring the foundation built by previous district leaders. Ryan has served in every board capacity, including president, and has been active in local, state and national education advocacy.

The district also credited Ryan’s recent advocacy with helping Santee School District become one of four San Diego County districts selected to pilot the Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program in partnership with the California Department of Health Care Services. The district said the grant process secured more than $3 million to expand student mental health services.

A dedication reception is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, at 4:30 p.m., followed by a ribbon cutting at 5 p.m., according to the Santee School District.