Ordinary People, Extraordinary Dedication

As citizen leaders, 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 public officials play in the education of
our children.

Their job is to establish a vision for the education program, design a structure to achieve that vision, ensure 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, architects, truck drivers, professors, business owners, and real estate agents, to name just a few.

Although they serve many roles 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 students achieve.

Board members contribute hundreds and hundreds of hours each year leading their districts. Whether it be crafting policies, hiring top-notch 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 spend in leading their districts. They also work hard at seminars and training sessions to keep abreast of the latest trends in educational leadership, 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 lead so students can achieve.

In January, join with all of us at the Weatherford ISD to salute the men and women who provide grassroots governance of public schools.  Make a special effort to tell each school board member that his or her hard work has been noticed and is truly appreciated.