January is School Board Recognition Month

January 5, 2004 - January has been proclaimed School Board Recognition Month in the state of Washington, a declaration that coincides with a nationwide effort to honor and underscore the important role of elected school board members in public education and student achievement.

The proclamation, issued by Gov. Gary Locke, notes that 'school directors serve as a vital link between the community and the classroom, making policy, setting budgets and exerting leadership to prepare our children for the challenges of the future.'

There are 1,482 school board members in Washington state's 296 public school districts, each elected by the citizens of their respective communities. The districts they lead serve more than one million students, have a combined annual budget of $6 billion, and employ nearly 100,000 people.

As 'governors' of their districts, school directors contribute hundreds of volunteer hours each year making decisions aimed at promoting student achievement. School directors have a multitude of responsibilities, including vision- and goal-setting, establishing standards for what students should learn, adopting policies and budgets, and working as a team with administrators, teachers, parents, students and the community to foster a safe and productive learning environment.

Visit our Board of Directors page to see Renton's School Board members.