January is School Board Recognition Month
January 18, 2010
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. All Kansans should recognize the vital contributions of these men and women and focus attention on the crucial role these 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, assure 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.
School board members are our neighbors who make education their business, investing countless hours of their time, and often their own resources, to set direction for our children and our local public schools. They are elected by you to establish policies that reflect your beliefs and set goals that project your community’s vision for the future. They spend long hours, after their own work days, making decisions on issues that eventually will affect everything from local business to the quality of life in your community.
Board members contribute hundreds and hundreds of hours each year leading their districts. Whether it is crafting policies, hiring administrators, listening to staff and student concerns, or recognizing outstanding programs, board members always keep their eyes on the goal of student success. Their love of learning, and concern and caring for students, staff, and the community, drive board members’ desire to serve their school districts.
In recognition of this dedicated service, January is designated School Board Recognition Month. This is a time to show our appreciation and begin to better understand how local board members work together to provide a better future for our children. In January, 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.
Argonia’s School Board Members were recognized at the home basketball game on Friday, January 15.
Joe Allen-7 years
Scott Greenwood-17 years
Rick Nafziger-25 years
Robert Pike-11 years
Randy Simon-23 years
Sarah Vineyard-1 year
Ron Work-23 years
