The month of January marks the annual observance of School Board Recognition Month—a time to salute the work of school board members and celebrate public education. The theme, “School Boards LeadStrong,” reflects our combined commitment to leadership and accountability assuring that ALL children succeed.

In Mancelona Public School District, school board members must develop policies and make tough decisions on complex educational and social issues impacting the entire community. They bear responsibility for an annual budget, 1055 students, 135 employees and four buildings. They carry out the truest form of representative government in our democracy—volunteer public service and preserve the core of our democratic land—public education.

Too often we neglect to recognize the dedication and hard work of these men and women who represent us. This January I invite you to recognize and celebrate the work of your local school trustees. The staff and students of our district are asking all members of the community to take a moment and tell a school board member, “thanks for caring about our children.”

Too often we neglect to recognize the commitment and sacrifices made by these men and women. So let’s salute the dedicated school board members who make it possible for local citizens to have a say about education in our community. We applaud our board members for their vision and voice to help shape a better tomorrow.

The men and women serving Mancelona Public School District and their years of service are: Bill Avery- seven years; Amy Derrer- seven years; Catherine Harden- one year; Kim Musselman- two years; William Nothstine- began July, 2008; Tom Ross- three years.