January is School Board Recognition Month

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 Texans 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, 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.

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.

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 extracurricular events. Their love of learning, and concern and caring for students, staff and the community, drive board members’ desire to lead so students can achieve.

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 trustees work together to provide a better future for our children. In January, join with others 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.

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 January, we join with others from throughout our district to salute the men and women who serve on the school board of the Brownsboro ISD. Board members are Joel Irwin, Bobby Teague, Becky Grantham, Dusty Wise, John Hartsfield, Joey Ridgle, and Charles Anderson.

See the Brownsboro ISD Board members in action during their first meeting of 2007, Monday, January 8, at 7pm, in the newly renovated administration building on Hwy. 31, next to Bear Stadium.