South Tama School Board members include: (seated l-r) Ron Hala and Michelle Yuska, board president. (Standing, l-r)?Mark McFate, Anne Michael and Jackie Dvorak. News-Herald file photo

Volunteer school board members spend thousands of hours each year analyzing budgets, monitoring student achievement data, adopting effective policies and making key decisions to ensure that each Iowa student receives an excellent education.

The Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) invites communities to celebrate and thank their local school board members during School Board Recognition Week, May 6-12.

This year’s theme, “Sowing the Seeds for Success,” recognizes that Iowa’s volunteer school board members are providing innovative leadership, through responsibilities ranging from strong financial stewardship to ensuring high-quality curriculum, to make sure all students are able to grow and prosper through their education.

This special week is an opportunity to highlight the excellent work being done on behalf of students, and to thank the more than 2,000 men and women who govern Iowa’s public education system.

Please take this opportunity to notice what your schools and board have offered your children this year, and to acknowledge your district leaders.

Yvonne Mallory Iowa Valley Community College District board member

Visit IASB’s web site at www.ia-sb.org to learn more about Iowa school boards.

IASB is a private, nonprofit organization representing Iowa’s 351 school districts, nine area education agencies and 15 community colleges.