Celebrating the Legacy of Ken and Annie Bird: A Commitment to Excellence in Education
Celebrating the Legacy of Ken and Annie Bird: A Commitment to Excellence in Education
Ken Bird’s journey through the Westside Community Schools is nothing short of remarkable. As the district’s first graduate to lead the schools, Ken’s career reflects a deep-rooted commitment to education and community. After moving from Director of Special Education to Associate Superintendent, Ken became Superintendent in 1992. Over the years, he has shaped the district with a vision that values high academic standards, innovation, and meeting the unique needs of every student.
Under Ken’s leadership, Westside became a pioneer in educational technology. In 2004, the district was among the first in the country to provide all high school students with a laptop, a groundbreaking initiative that set the stage for future success. By 2008, the program expanded to include eighth grade students. Then, in the 2014-15 school year, Westside became a fully 1-to-1 district, providing every elementary school student with an iPad and laptops for all seventh graders.
Dr. Bird didn’t just focus on equipping students with technology—he also recognized the importance of involving parents and the broader community. He created numerous opportunities for technology exposure, ensuring that families were empowered to support their children’s learning at school and home.
When asked what he believes makes Westside such an excellent school system, Ken points to one defining characteristic: its sense of community. “Our District has been built on the fact that the community expects and demands its schools to have high academic standards, be innovative, and meet the unique needs of all students,” Ken said. “The challenge for the future will be to fulfill this expectation in an ever-so-fragile political and financial climate.”
This belief in the power of community and the importance of education has been at the core of Ken and his wife Annie’s generous support of Westside Community Schools. Over the years, they have contributed to numerous initiatives through the Westside Foundation, including mental health support programs, athletic program enhancements, and VI VI, the Foundation’s annual gala. In 2018, the Birds created the Ken and Annie Bird Welding and Fabrication Scholarship. Up to three students are awarded financial support each year to further their welding careers at Metropolitan Community College.
Their philanthropy extends beyond financial gifts; their deep connection to the district reflects a shared vision for a thriving, future-ready community. To recognize the Birds’ profound impact on the district, community leaders and friends of the Birds rallied to raise funds for a unique space dedicated to their legacy. As part of the Westside Foundation’s Impacting Excellence Campaign, these generous contributions came together to make the Ken and Annie Bird Innovation Lab a reality. Located in the new section of Westside High School, this state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for learning and innovation, bringing cutting-edge technology into the hands of students across all subject areas.
The Ken and Annie Bird Innovation Lab will offer students enhanced resources and dynamic learning opportunities, providing the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. This state-of-the-art space will support the district’s current educational programs and prepare students for tomorrow’s challenges. It will nurture creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, helping students develop the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly complex, technology-driven society. Additionally, the lab will invite community partners to engage with students, fostering valuable real-world connections and opportunities for growth.
We are incredibly grateful to Ken and Annie for their ongoing dedication to Westside Community Schools and for their transformative role in shaping a future where all students have the opportunity to excel.