January is School Board Recognition Month.
Edwardsburg Public Schools joins 552 local and 57 intermediate school districts across the state to thank these community volunteers for their untiring dedication to public education.
“Serving on a school board has been described as the ‘toughest volunteer job in America.’ Yet Michigan’s public school board members dedicate countless personal hours to attending meetings, school functions and hours of preparation for the decisions they make,” said Sherman Ostrander, superintendent of schools. “On top of that, many pursue their own professional development to stay on top of the ever-changing education landscape. Collectively, school board members in Michigan have spent about 7,000 hours attending training and professional development. They’re dedicated individuals who are committed to the continuing success of our schools and students.”
It’s an exciting and challenging time in public education. School board members in Edwardsburg Public Schools develop policies and make tough decisions that help shape the future of our education system. They bear responsibility and oversight for an annual budget of $22.13 million, 2,700 students, 264 employees and seven buildings.
“We proudly join educators and community members in saluting these education advocates as they provide vision and leadership for student achievement, academic programs, district funding and school facilities,” Ostrander said. “They preserve the core of our democracy — public education.”
Edwardsburg Public Schools will recognize board members on Monday, Jan. 23, at the Board of Education meeting, which begins at 7 p.m.
A special presentation will be part of the tribute. Community members are invited to attend. More information is posted on the Edwardsburg Public Schools website at www.edwardsburgpublicschools.org.
The men and women serving Edwardsburg Public Schools are: Birdella Holdread, president; Douglas Stickney, vice president; Eric Coles, secretary; John Feil, treasurer; Douglas Hall, trustee; Edward Patzer, trustee; and Michael Gordon, trustee.