The month of January marks the annual observance of School Board Recognition Month—a time to salute the work of school board members and celebrate public education.

The theme of this year’s celebration, “School Boards Make A World of Difference,” reflects our combined commitment to leadership and accountability assuring that ALL children succeed.

In Traverse City Area Public Schools, school board members must develop policies and make tough decisions on complex educational and social issues impacting the entire community.  They bear responsibility for an annual budget of over $100 million; 10,516 students; 1,482 employees; and 20 school buildings as well as other operating buildings.  They carry out the truest form of representative government in our democracy-volunteer public service and preserve the core of our democratic land-public education.

Too often we neglect to recognize the dedication and hard work of these men and women who represent us.  I invite you to recognize and celebrate the work of your school trustees.  Invite them out for coffee.  Ask how you might help support your schools.  Write your school board members a thank you note.  Let them know you appreciate what they do for kids in Traverse City Area Public Schools.

Traverse City board members will be honored at the Regular Board of Education meeting, Monday, January 8, 2007, 6:00 p.m.

The men and woman serving the Traverse City Area Public District are:  Gerry Morris, President; Joel Casler, Vice President; Richard Crampton, Secretary; David Barr, Treasurer; and Trustees Alice McNally, Sue Brooke, and Fred Tank.

School Board Recognition Month, in January, is celebrated by 552 local and 57 intermediate school districts in Michigan, as 4,100 elected school board members are honored by their schools and community for untiring dedication to school governance.

Please contact Patti Brzezinski at 933-1725 for more information.