SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION WEEK

FEBRUARY 25 – 29, 2008

As citizen leaders, individual school board members face complex and demanding challenges. Yet, few people fully understand the scope and far-reaching implications of board members’ responsibilities.

School board members 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. This job entails an endless string of meetings and school functions; reams of reports, agendas, proposals, and other information to read and study; as well as a host of difficult decisions to make.

School board members come from all walks of life. Although they serve many roles in the workday world, school board members put on a collective hat when they get down to the business of leading their school districts. Board members must pull together as a team toward a common goal – helping students achieve. Though they may individually disagree on certain issues, their role as a board is to consistently strive toward that goal.

Board members contribute hundreds and hundreds of hours each year leading their districts. Whether it is crafting policies, hiring top-notch administrators, listening to staff and student concerns, or recognizing outstanding programs, board members always keep their eyes on the goal of student achievement. The time spent in board meetings represents just a small fraction of the hours school board members spend in leading their districts. They also work hard at seminars and training sessions to keep abreast of the latest trends in educational leadership, are deeply involved in community activities, and spend many hours in the schools and at extra curricular events.

The school board works closely with parents, administrators, education professionals, and other local citizens to create the educational vision we want for our community. In a larger sense, the ultimate role of the local school board is to help preserve our nation’s liberty, prepare our economy for prosperity, and enrich the lives of our people. It is in the schools of each local community that real teaching and learning happen. Consequently, it is the local school board that can best bring together in our democracy the entire community – parents, business and civic leaders, and all others concerned about the future of our children.

In recognition of this dedicated service, the week of February 25^th through February 29^th is designated “School Board Recognition Week.” This is a time to show our appreciation and begin to better understand how local school board members work together to provide a better future for our children. Please join with others throughout our district and state to salute the men and women who provide grassroots governance of public schools.