Mary Lynne Donohue

Position: Member
Committee Assignments: Finance & Budget; Human Resources (Vice Chairperson)
Joined the School Board: 2022
Current Term: 2025-2028
Email: mldonohue@sasd.net

Mary Lynne Donohue was raised in Sheboygan and graduated from North High School. Her husband and two sons are also SASD graduates.

She left Sheboygan for higher education and returned here in 1981 after earning a BA in English Literature, MA in Comparative Literature, and Juris Doctor, all from UW-Madison. She later went on to earn an MA in Women's and Gender Studies in 2016 from UW-Milwaukee. Mary Lynne is retired from the active practice of law, but continues to provide pro bono legal services to low-income clients and coordinates the Sheboygan County Bar’s Legal Aid Clinic at the Salvation Army.

Mary Lynne has served on the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Wisconsin and currently is a member of the board of directors of Wisconsin Humanities and Common Cause in Wisconsin. Mary Lynne has also served on the boards of the WI Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters; Planned Parenthood of WI; Sheboygan Common Council; Police and Fire Commission, and Civil Service Commission. Mary Lynne previously served on the SASD Board of Education (1996-2002). She was co-founder of Sheboygan Co. Head Start and has served on the boards of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra, Mead Public Library Board of Trustees, moderator, First Congregational Church, and other non-profit boards over the years.

What motivates you to serve on the Board of Education for the Sheboygan Area School District?

A strong, vibrant, inclusive public school system is the very foundation of our democracy. Without well-funded and well-regarded public schools, we truly cannot maintain and support our children, our families, and our democratic way of living. Our school board is here to advocate, encourage, and strengthen this wonderful school district.

What are you most proud of in the Sheboygan Area School District?

I continue to be incredibly impressed by the quality and tenacity of staff members, and awed by the persistence, energy, enthusiasm, and intelligence of our students. Forward!