As citizens who serve children and represent their communities, individual school board members
face complex and demanding challenges. Yet, few people fully understand the scope and
far-reaching implications of board members' responsibilities. All Texans should recognize the
vital contributions of these men and women and focus attention on the crucial role these elected
leaders play in the education of our children. They truly make a difference every day.

Their job is to establish a vision for the education program, design a structure to achieve that
vision, assure schools are accountable to the community, and strongly advocate continuous
improvement in student learning. That job entails an endless string of meetings and school
functions to attend; reams of reports, agendas, proposals, and other information to read and study;
and a host of difficult decisions to make.

School Board members come from all walks of life. They are farmers, secretaries, doctors, lawyers,
homemakers, teachers, truck drivers, business owners, professors, architects, ranchers, and real
estate agents, to name just a few.

While they wear many hats in the workday world, school board members put on a collective hat when
they get down to the business of leading their school districts. Board members must pull together
as a team toward a common goal-helping our students achieve. While they may individually disagree
on certain issues, their role as a board is to consistently strive toward excellence.

Board members contribute hundreds and hundreds of hours each year governing their districts.
Whether crafting policies, hiring administrators, listening to staff and student concerns, or
recognizing outstanding programs, board members always keep their eyes on the goal of student
achievement.

The time spent in board meetings represents just a small fraction of the hours school board members
devote to their jobs. They work hard at seminars and training sessions to keep abreast of the
latest changes in state and federal regulations and learn trends in educational leadership. They
also are deeply involved in community activities, and spend many hours in the schools and at
extracurricular events. Their love of learning and concern and caring for students,
staff, and the community drive board members' desire to ensure every student can succeed.

In recognition of this service, January is designated as School Board Recognition Month and
countless districts across the state will take this opportunity to say thanks to our trustees for
giving so much to their communities. Make a special effort to tell each school board member that
his or her hard work has been noticed and is truly appreciated.

• 2008 - 2009
• 2005 - 2006