01/09/2010: "School Board Recognition"
January has been proclaimed School Board Recognition Month in the state of Washington, a recognition that coincides with a nationwide effort to honor and underscore the important role of elected school board members in public education and student achievement.
The proclamation, issued by Gov. Chris Gregoire, notes that “school directors play a crucial role in promoting student learning and achievement by creating a vision, establishing policies and budgets, and setting clear standards of accountability for all involved.”
There are 1,477 school board members in Washington state’s 295 public school districts, each elected by the citizens of their respective communities. The districts they lead serve more than one million students, have a combined annual budget of $6 billion, and employ over 100,000 people.
As “governors” of their districts, school directors contribute hundreds of volunteer hours each year making decisions aimed at promoting student achievement. School directors have a multitude of responsibilities, including vision- and goal-setting, establishing standards for what students should learn, adopting policies and budgets, and working as a team with administrators, teachers, parents, students and the community to foster a safe and productive learning environment.
School directors also serve as champions for public education, advocating on behalf of students and districts in their communities and with policymakers and legislators at the state and federal levels.
Governor Gregoire's Proclamation
WHEREAS, the mission of Washington’s public school system is to assure that all students achieve at high levels and possess the knowledge and skills to be responsible citizens and enjoy productive and satisfying lives; and
WHEREAS, Washington’s 295 locally elected school boards are the core of the public education governance system in our state; and
WHEREAS, the districts they lead serve more than one million students, have a combined annual budget of $6 billion and employ more than 100,000 people; and
WHEREAS, school directors play a crucial role in promoting student learning and achievement by creating a vision, establishing policies and budgets, and setting clear standards of accountability for all involved; and
WHEREAS, school directors are directly accountable to the citizens in their districts, serving as a vital link between members of the community and their schools; and
WHEREAS, school directors provide a passionate voice of advocacy for public schools and the welfare of school children; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize school directors as outstanding volunteers and champions for public education;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Christine O. Gregoire, Governor of the state of Washington, do hereby proclaim January 2010 as