Biography
Biography
Sherlett Hendy Newbill is a member of the Board of Education representing District 1 for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).
A native of Los Angeles, she attended LAUSD schools and graduated from Dorsey High School. Accepted to Xavier University of Louisiana, she received an athletic scholarship and graduated in 1994.
Upon her return to Los Angeles, armed with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, she taught at local schools before accepting a teaching position in 1998 at her alma mater, Dorsey High. During her tenure, she served in a variety of capacities, rising through the ranks from athletic coach to classroom teacher, while also holding a number of administrative positions over the course of her 25-year career.
Sherlett started as a high school Physical Education teacher, but quickly expanded her responsibilities on campus to include that of Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, and Physical Education Department Chairman. Sherlett’s skills as a mentor, motivator, team leader, problem solver, program implementer, and knowledge of school district policies and procedures, helped her win additional promotions. In 2016, she left the classroom for full time administrative responsibilities and served as both the Athletic Director and Dean of Students. The position of Dean illustrates the esteem in which she is held by the school family because of the requirement that she be nominated by the school’s Principal and then elected by the school staff.
A firm believer in the role of parents and community members in the education process, she helped to re-energize the school’s Booster Club and worked with them providing program support and guidance on fundraising opportunities and protocols.
In 2011, she worked closely with School Board Member Marguerite LaMotte, who secured a $33 million bond allocation that resulted in a state-of-the-art gymnasium, physical education classroom space and fitness center. This facility is now home to Dorsey’s sports medicine program.
Sherlett also partnered with School Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III to fund critical investments in upgrading the athletic facilities at Dorsey High School. This $18 million bond funded project will include a updated baseball field, soccer field, new football field including bleachers, stadium lights, press box, concession stands and restrooms. Sherlett has also been able to use this project to galvanize the Dorsey Alumni Association to launch a capital campaign to fund additional improvements to other athletic facilities on the campus.
A well-rounded education leader, Sherlett previously served as a Union Representative and Vice Chair of the Dorsey chapter of United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), articulating the views of educators. Sherlett is a proud Alumna of Emerge California Class of 2024. Immediately prior to her election, Sherlett served as the Education Policy Advisor for her predecessor on the LAUSD School Board, Dr. George J. McKenna III.
Sherlett now has the privilege of representing the school board district where she was born and raised. The district includes the neighborhoods of Mid-City, Crenshaw, University Park, Exposition Park, Jefferson Park, View Park, Windsor Hills, St. Elmo Village, Wellington Square, Vermont Knolls, Mid-Wilshire, Hyde park, Baldwin Hills, Arlington Heights, Harvard Heights, West Adams, Koreatown, Pico Robertson, Carthay Circle, Miracle Mile, Windsor Square, Hancock Park, Cheviot Hills, Beverlywood, Palms, West Athens, and Westmont.
Sherlett is a wife and proud mother of two sons. Active in the community, she and her husband lead a youth ministry at their church.