ABOVE- Meembers of the South Tama School Board- (Seated) Ron Hala, vice chair and Michelle Yuska, chair. Standing, l-r) Mark McFate, Anne Michael and Jackie Dvorak. News-Herald file photos

Everyone should join school systems throughout the state to salute their local education leaders during Iowa’s annual School Board Member Recognition Week May 6-12.

The commemorative week is designed to recognize the contributions made by Iowa’s more than 1,900 local school board members, including the members of the (Your District) Board of Education, who are charged with governing public education under state law.

Iowa school board members are chosen by their communities through election to manage local schools. They oversee $4 billion in budgets which fund education programs for more than 473,000 students in 351 districts. Their personnel decisions affect 34,200 teachers, 1,490 administrators and tens of thousands of support workers.

These volunteer leaders also are responsible for formulating school system policy, approving curricula, maintaining school facilities and adhering to state and federal education law. Legal concerns and the complexities of school finance, including budgeting and taxation, require them to spend many hours in board training programs and personal study to enhance their understanding of these issues.

Our deepest appreciation is extended to the dedicated men and women who make it possible for local citizens to participate in education in our community. We salute these public servants of the (Your District) school system, whose commitment and civic responsibility make local control of public schools in our community possible:

Yvonne Mallory has served as Director for District VI on the Iowa Valley Community College Board since 2000. Her District includes all that portion lying within the South Tama Community School District, the Brooklyn-Guernsey-Malcom Community School District and the portion of the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District lying within Chester and Sheridan precincts in Poweshiek County and Hickory Grove/Kellogg, Mariposa/Rock Creek precinct in Jasper County.

(insert names of local board members)

Please join us by saying “thanks” to our school board members during the Iowa School Board Association’s School Board Member Recognition Week May 6-12.