News : Proclamation Iowa School Board Recognition Month - May

Vinton-Shellsburg CSD will join public education systems throughout the state to salute their local school board members and celebrate public education during Iowa's annual School Board Recognition Month in May. The commemorative month is designed to recognize the contributions made by more than 2,000 local school board, community college and AEA board members, including the members of the Vinton-Shellsburg 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. 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. We don't always recognize the dedication and hard work of these public servants elected to represent us and the interest of our children. Invite them out for coffee. Ask how you might help support your local community schools. Drop off cookies at May's board meeting. Write your school board members a thank you note. Let them know you appreciate what they do for your kids in the Vinton-Shellsburg CSD. Please join us by saying "thanks"� to our school board members during School Board Member Recognition Month in May. The men and women serving the Vinton-Shellsburg CSD are: Rob Levis, President; Sue Gates, Vice President; Brenda Bartz, Jason Hicok, Kyle Schminke, Mike Timmermans, and Kathy Van Steenhuyse. K-12 Public School Board Data Board seats in Iowa....................................... 1,893 Male board members.................................... 61% Female board members................................ 39% Five member boards..................................... 219 Seven member boards.................................. 114 WHEREAS Iowa school boards create a vision for what students should know and be able to do; WHEREAS Iowa school boards establish clear standards for student performance; WHEREAS Iowa school boards ensure that student assessments are tied to established standards; WHEREAS Iowa school boards are accountable to the community for operating schools that support student achievement; WHEREAS Iowa school boards align school district resources to ensure that students meet standards; WHEREAS Iowa school boards create a climate that supports the philosophy that all children can learn at high levels; WHEREAS Iowa school boards build collaborative relationships based on trust, teamwork and shared accountability; and WHEREAS Iowa school boards are committed to continuous education and training on issues related to student achievement. I urge all citizens to join us in recognizing the dedication and hard work of local school board members in recognizing that school board members are local leaders working to help students succeed. Members of our local school board are Rob Leis (Board President), Sue Gates (Vice President), Directors: Brenda Bartz, Jason Hicok, Kyle Schminke, Mike Timmermans, and Kathy Van Steenhuyse. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mary Jo Hainstock, Superintendent of Schools, hereby declare our appreciation to the members of the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District School Board and proclaim May to be Iowa School Board Recognition Month. Mary Jo Hainstock, Superintendent