Recognition Ideas:

Original certificates to present to school board members (Fill in the names and have the superintendent sign it.)

Sample local proclamation.

Tip sheet with ideas for recognition activities.

Sample letters to school board members’ employers to acknowledge their service to the community and emphasize school-business ties.

Sample marquee slogans.

Sample news release.

Sample column for the district newsletter, local newspaper, Web site or other publication.

School Board Recognition Month

January 2009

Sample ArticleThis article can be adapted for use in your district newsletter, as an article in your local newspaper, as a letter to the editor, or as the foundation of a speech. Localize the article by adding information about your board, details of how board members will be honored and examples of ways your board has improved education in your district.

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; and a host of difficult decisions to make. School board members come from all walks of life. They are farmers, secretaries, doctors, lawyers, homemakers, architects, truck drivers, professors, business owners, and real estate agents, to name just a few.

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 be 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 extracurricular 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 dedicatedservice, the month of January isdesignated “School Board Recognition Month” 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.

School Board Recognition Month

January 2009

Sample Proclamation

WHEREAS, the mission of public schools is to meet the educational needs of all children and empower them to become competent, productive contributors to a democratic society and an ever-changing world; and

WHEREAS, local school board members are committed to children and believe that all children can be successful learners and that the best education is tailored to the individual needs of the child; and

WHEREAS, local school board members work with parents, education professionals and other community members to create the educational vision we want for our students; and

WHEREAS, local school board members are responsible for ensuring the structure that provides a solid foundation for our school system; and

WHEREAS, local school board members assure the educational program is accountable to the community; and

WHEREAS, local school board members are strong advocates for public education and responsible for communicating the needs of the school district to the public and the public’s expectations to the district.

THEREFORE, I, ______________________________________, do hereby declare my appreciation to the members of the __________________________ school board and proclaim the month of January 2009, as SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION MONTH. I urge all citizens to join me in recognizing the dedication and hard work of local school board members. Furthermore, I urge all citizens to work with the board to build an education system that meets the needs of both today’s and tomorrow’s children.

IN OFFICIAL RECOGNITION WHEREOF, I hereby affix my signature this __________ day of_______________________________, 2009.

____________________________________________________

School Board Recognition Month

January 2009

Sample Activities Have the superintendent write a guest editorial to the local newspaper explaining why school

board members deserve thanks from the community.

Have students make a card for board members incorporating pieces of candy into the message. Cut words from different fonts and sizes (somewhat like a ransom note of old) and glue candy bars where they fit into the message. “It may be hard to contain your Snickers . . . . You deserve a Million Dollar bar every Payday.” Hopefully, you get the sweet idea.

Individual school buildings can donate a book for their library in a board members’ name.

Create a “spouse” certificate for each board member. “Exemplary Board of Education Spouse. For support and understanding of the long hours, phone calls at home, and missed family events.” Or something on that order.

Have individual schools “adopt” a board member and plan a special activity.

Ask a family and consumer science class to prepare a celebratory meal or treats for the board.

Display student banners thanking the board in the boardroom.

Encourage the city council, local Chamber of Commerce, county board or PTA to proclaim a local “School Board Recognition” month using the proclamation in this kit.

Contact service club and organization presidents and suggest they honor board members during a luncheon or meeting.

Ask students to present cards, posters or letters during a board meeting.

Assist parents with submitting letters to the editor expressing appreciation for board service.

Send letters to school board members’ employers to acknowledge board members’ service to the community and emphasize school-business ties. (A sample letter is included in this kit.)

Plan a page on your Web site to picture and honor board members.

Interview the individual board members about why they want to serve on the school board and publish it in the district newsletter.

Place a thank-you poster in the board members’ yards.

School Board Recognition Month

January 2009

More Sample Activities

Have elementary students put together a “book” of what they believe board members do.

Have the computer class put together a PowerPoint presentation thanking the board for “leading the way” to success.

Hang pictures and board member bios in “Hall of Honor” in the administration building.

Play up the star power of our board members. Use pictures of individual board members to create a poster of your own “galaxy of stars.”

Plan for a school board commendation at a staff inservice meeting.

Seek guest appearances for board members on local broadcast programs.

Create fun “treat bags” for each board member.

Use community marquees to post messages of thanks and recognition to board members. (See sample marquee slogans in this kit).

Feature school board members in school publications and on the district Web site.

Encourage the PTA or other groups to sponsor a breakfast or reception to honor the board. Students could perform at the event.

Hold a reception/reunion for former school board members.

Post the proclamation in public places around town.

Encourage a group - employee union, PTA, Kiwanis, etc. - to serve snacks before or after a meeting.

Have each school marquee carry a thank you message to the board.

Host a breakfast reception and tour of the building showcasing some of the boards’ initiatives.

Have art classes make place mats for board members’ use.

Create a top 10 list of why students and district staff appreciate their board. Ask student representatives to read the list at the January board meeting.

Create you own list of board member duties to help educate the public on what board members actually do (provide direction for the district, set goals, approve a spending plan, advocate for public education/public schools, act as liaison to community, etc.)

School Board Recognition Month

January 2009

Sample employer letters

Send letters to school board members’ employers to acknowledge board members’ service to the community and emphasize school-business ties.

Dear :

Thank you for allowing your employee ______________________ time to serve our community as a member of the ______________________ school board.

As a member of the board, ______________ helps make decisions that have a tremendous impact on our children’s future and the quality of life in our community. That you recognize the importance of this civic duty and allow ___________ the flexibility to attend board meetings and events is a testament to the commitment you and your company have for our community.

School board membership is one of the most personally demanding forms of public service. ___________ and the other members of the school board spend countless hours preparing for and participating in their monthly meetings.

They also devote a great deal of time to studying education issues and laws and listening to the concerns of parents and teachers. In fact, they never are completely “off the job” as board members.

School Board Member Recognition Month is being celebrated in January 2009 throughout Kansas. I wantto thank you for the important role you play in helping our school board take care of our community’s children.

Sincerely,

School Board Recognition Month

January 2009

Sample marquee slogans

School Board Stars set the bar for excellence!

January 2009—School Board Recognition Week ... Say ‘Thanks!’

We Appreciate Our School Board!

School Boards are Essential to School Success ... Thank You!

Strong Schools = Strong Communities ... Thank Your School Board!

School Boards Lead so Students Can Achieve!

Thank a School Board Member Today!

School Board Recognition Month

January 2009

Sample news release

School Board Recognition Month January 2009

(City) - The Texas Association of School Boards recognizes January 2009 as School Board Recognition Month in Texas as a time to build awareness and understanding of the vital function an elected board of education plays in our society.

The (school district name) is joining with other districts throughout the state to recognize the important contributions board members make to communities.

“Texans benefit every day from the dedicated energies and countless hours devoted by these public servants.

School board members unselfishly contribute their time and talents toward the advancement of public education. They represent a continuing commitment to local citizen control and decision making in public education,” said (superintendent’s name).

The men/women serving our district and their years of service are as follows:

(Add a paragraph describing any special activities planned for the month.)

School Board Recognition Month

January 2009

School Board Recognition Month January 2009

Be sure to recognize them in public forums and invite news reporters and editors to attend.

Be creative — actions speak louder than words!

Most of all, have fun. Remember it’s not the dollar amount or total number of items that board members receive that matters. What is important is letting them know they truly are appreciated, that their work to empower all students to excel is valued and supported.

School Board Recognition Month

January 2009