Remembering Fran Kruss

Esteemed former school board President Fran Kruss affected many lives, and her death has generated a lot of reaction in Mountain View.

"We were extremely sad to learn of Fran Kruss' passing," said Mountain View Whisman School District Superintendent Craig Goldman. "Mrs. Kruss provided many years of service to the Mountain View Whisman School District, its students, its staff, and its families. Her fine work has lived on beyond her retirement, and it will live on long after her death."

Kruss, who joined the Whisman School District board of trustees in 1996, helped facilitate and execute the merger of her district with the Mountain View School District in 2000. She and former school board trustee Juan Aranda served a total of six years, both until 2002.

"She was all about Mountain View," he said. "She was all about the children."

Current school board trustee Ellen Wheeler described Kruss' generosity and support. Her leadership stood out too.

"Fran who took the leadership during the merger of the Mountain View and Whisman School Districts to insist that the new name of the newly merged district include Whisman in its name," Wheeler said and noted that some wanted the word "Whisman" omitted.

Kruss also demonstrated leadership "with how to close a school. Fran kept reminding us that we needed to remember the under-served kids in our community." The Whisman School was closed during her tenure.

Her credential as a registered critical care nurse enhanced the service Kruss offered as a member of the school board and its representative on the Community Health Awareness Council board member.

"She was an active board member and took a special interest in the mental health of kids," said Monique Kane, executive director.

For members of the community who would like to remember and honor Kruss, the family invites to their home for a memorial service on Sunday, Oct. 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. at  2561 Mardell Way, Mountain View, CA 94043.