Districts honor trustees

AUSTIN -- Gov. Rick Perry proclaimed January 2007 as School Board Recognition Month. Districts across the state used this opportunity to show their appreciation and bolster understanding of the critical role elected boards of education play in their local schools and communities.

"Education fosters success. From grade school to university, a solid education establishes the foundation on which we build futures of achievement and advancement, futures that give fruition to the fulfillment of dreams and expectations.

"Members of school boards, men and women, who share a commitment to serve their communities, dedicate themselves to ensuring that students in the Lone Star State are given every opportunity to excel through education. In collaboration with others including educators, governmental officials and the citizens of the districts they serve, school boards are essential members of the education community," Perry said.

"Locally elected trustees are tireless advocates for our children, and we hope every community will set aside time in January to express thanks for their dedicated service. School boards work with parents, administrators, education professionals, and other local citizens to establish goals for the education program. They set standards, ensure schools are accountable to the community, and strive for continuous improvement in student learning. That job entails a string of meetings and school functions to attend; reams of reports, agendas, proposals, and other information to read and study; and a host of complex decisions to make," said James B. Crow, TASB executive director.

"More than 7,000 men and women serve without pay on local school boards. While many districts face dif ficult challenges, these local trustees stand absolutely firm in a commitment to the success of all students," Crow said.

TASB is a nonprofit association established in 1949 to serve local school districts. School board members are the largest group of publicly elected officials in the state.