January is School Board Appreciation Month and at its regular meeting Monday night, the Edwardsburg district recognized its members.

“Thank you for all of the hard work you do serving on the Edwardsburg School Board to make our school the best there is,” was the sentiment echoed by students Monday night.

All school board members were showered with homemade gifts from students who drew pictures of each board member and gave gifts of wrapped chocolate and handmade items.

School board President Birdella Holdread got candy from the intermediate school students and a “brushbot,” which is a robotic bug. She got a copy of a song that was sung by primary school students, “Celebrating Our School Board.”

Normally the school board members get down to business at a meeting but they were all smiles as they opened their shinny wrapped, bright purple boxes with all types of goodies in them. They also received a plaque from Superintendent Sherman Ostrander that read, “Michigan Association of School Boards in appreciation of your dedication to our children and public education in Michigan.”

More than 100 parents and school officials attended the meeting to watch the presentations.

Students made remarks such as, “Thank you to all board members for all the dedication to our school.” They also recognized the custodial staff and the transportation drivers.

“Thank you for all of your support,” student council president Alex Freshour said. “Your encouragement has brought success to our students and staff. Edwardsburg is set apart because of your decisions you made and the effort you give. We are so proud of the effort you put in our school system.”

Following the presentations, the board unanimously re-elected Della Holdread as president for another year, starting her 20th term to heading the board.

Newly elected vice president was Michael Gordon. Re-elected secretary was Douglas Hall. Re-elected treasurer was John Feil. Becky Anson was announced as a new board member, replacing the retired Douglas Stickney. Cheryl  Steele was re-designated recording secretary.

Ostrander thanked the parents and children for attending the meeting.

“The board has stability,” he said. “They have had a long, conscientious relationship between the board and the superintendent. We have a wonderful group of teachers that interact with the children every day. This board has set high standards to the children for the best education they can get anywhere. We will never please everyone. I appreciate the board as they navigate   difficult times with the state. We try to give them the best.

“The average tenure of a superintendent is two to three years in a district. The national average is three years. What kept me here was a stable board with teachers that are the best. I love this district. I care about the teacher staff and the children. We appreciate you.”