During Kentucky’s observation of School Board Recognition Month
(JANUARY 16, 2017) – Across the state this month, local school board members, including those in the Lawrence County School District, will be saluted by their administrators, faculty, staff, students and community members during Kentucky’s observation of School Board Recognition Month.
Heath Preston, Garnett Skaggs, Maddlene Roberts, Jim See, and Barb Robinson are among the 850-plus school board members in the state’s 173 local school districts who will be singled out for their service in doing a job that has become increasingly complex.
Academic standards. Achievement gaps. College and career readiness. School safety. Up-to-date technology. Athletics and extracurriculars. Policies of all kinds. Plus the budgeting that undergirds it all. “These are just some of the areas local school board members must understand because of their responsibilities,” said Kentucky School Boards Association President Allen Kennedy, who chairs the Hancock County school board.
“It’s obvious from this list of examples that the job can’t be confined to the hours of a school board meeting,” Kennedy said. “Local school board members may spend hours of study before casting a vote, and spend time talking to their constituents while at home or work.”
In addition, members of the Lawrence County Board of Education must keep up with changes in education laws and regulations, and devote time to their own annual professional development and training.
“I believe that Lawrence County is blessed to have Mr. Preston, Mrs. Skaggs, Mrs. Roberts, Mr. See, and Mrs. Robinson as their school board members. Each member is a true example of what it means to be ‘ALL IN’ for our students,” Lawrence County Schools Superintendent Robbie Fletcher said. “They spend a lot of time analyzing budgets and test data to prioritize the needs of our students, teachers, and staff. Each board member works hard to make sure that our students have every opportunity to be successful.”
The Lawrence County Board of Education members will be honored during the January 17, 2017 regular board meeting. Also, the Lawrence County Fiscal Court and County Judge Executive John Osborne will also proclaim January as School Board Member Recognition Month in honor of our school board members and the work they do for the students of Lawrence County.