School Boards are Essential to School Success...

As citizen leaders, individual school board members face complex and demanding challenges. Yet few people fully understand the scope and far-reaching implications of school board members’ responsibilities. We should recognize the vital contributions of these men and women and focus attention on the crucial role our elected public officials play in the education of our children.

Their job is to establish a vision for the education program, design a structure to achieve that vision, ensure schools are accountable to the community and strongly advocate continuous improvement in student learning. That job entails an endless string of meetings and school functions to attend; reams of reports, agendas, proposals and other information to read and study; and a host of difficult decisions to make.

Although trustees wear many hats in the workday world, school board members put on a collective hat when they get down to the business of leading the school district. Board members must pull together as a team toward a common goal—helping students achieve.

Board members contribute countless hours each year.  Crafting policies, listening to staff and student concerns or recognizing outstanding programs, board members always keep their eyes on the goal of student achievement.

In recognition of their dedicated service, October 28th through November 1st is designated as School Board Recognition Week.  This is a time to show our appreciation and begin to better understand how our trustees work together to provide a better future for our children.  During this week, join with others from throughout our district and state to salute the men and women who provide grassroots governance of public schools.  Make a special effort to tell each school board member that his or her hard work has been noticed and is truly appreciated.

…Thank a School Board Member Today!