System observes board member appreciation week

The week of March 17-21 has been designated as "School Board Appreciation Week" in Georgia by Governor Sonny Perdue.

The week-long observance calls attention to the many contributions made to communities by members of local boards of education.

The members of the Lincoln County Board of Education, along with their years of service, are as follows: Dr. Robert Williams, chairman, five years; Robert Hearst, 11 years; Gail Remsen, one year; Wayne Williford, five years; and Becky Reed, five years.

"Citizens elect board members to serve as the community's voice on educational matters and to set the vision for the school district," said Dr. Randall Edmunds, Lincoln County school superintendent. "Our board members spend countless hours fulfilling their responsibilities and working together to continually improve our educational system.

"Because they are elected officials, these individuals represent an on-going commitment to local citizen control and decision-making in education," the superintendent continued. "We are pleased that School Board Appreciation Week gives us the opportunity, as a community, to say 'thank you' for their public service."

Dr. Edmunds presented certificates of appreciation to the individual board members during the regular meeting of the board held Tuesday, March 4.

As constitutional officers of Georgia, school board members are responsible for setting education policies, employing school personnel, providing buildings and equipment, operating a transportation system, and disbursing school funds.

As community leaders, school board members serve as advocates for the children in local public schools and must study, evaluate, and decide what actions are in the best interest of those students.

School Board Appreciation Week is sponsored by the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA), a voluntary statewide organization, comprised of 180 local boards of education, that serves as an advocate for the interests of the state's public school students and local school board members. The GSBA also provides in-service training and technical assistance to Georgia's school systems and board members.

To obtain more information about the GSBA, visit the organization's website at www.gsba.com.