Thanking School Board Members for Their Service!
Jenni Lefing, Membership Services Manager
Thank you to the over 300 school board members in Alaska who put in countless hours governing and advocating for their school district. As citizen advocates, board members face a complex, and often demanding job, yet few people fully understand the scope and far-reaching implications of board members’ responsibilities.
AASB has declared February School Board Appreciation Month, as a way to build understanding in your communities on the role of elected school boards, who play a critical role in our representative democracy. Member districts have been provided with materials to help local stakeholders recognize school boards and say thank you.
While districts are encouraged to celebrate school boards this month, expressing appreciation to school boards can and should happen year-round. Implementing year-round school board member recognition programs not only acknowledges their tireless efforts but also strengthens their commitment to educational excellence and fosters positive relationships within the community.
With our schools at a critical breaking point, school boards are working harder than ever.
Ways to Show Appreciation Year-Round:
- Express Gratitude: Take the time to express gratitude to school board members for their dedication and service. Write thank-you notes, send emails, or participate in public comment at board meetings, to let them know that their efforts are valued and appreciated. Often boards only hear negative comments from stakeholders (when they are not happy about something).
- Celebrate Achievements: Recognize school board members’ accomplishments and milestones, such as years of service or leadership achievements. Highlight their contributions in newsletters, social media, and at board meetings.
- Invite Board Members to Attend School events: Encourage school board members to participate in school events, such as family nights, assemblies, sports games, or performances. Their presence demonstrates support for students, educators, and the broader school community.
- Nominate a Fellow Board Member or School Board for AASB’s Annual Awards Program
- Carl Rose Governance Award: This award recognizes an outstanding school board member each year at AASB’s Annual Conference. The individual receiving this award is recognized for their commitment, dedication, and accomplishments as a locally elected school board member.
- Outstanding School Board Award: This award honors a school board who uses their governance authority to effectively serve the students of the district to create our future leaders. Consider self-nominating your own board or another board for the Outstanding School Board Award.
School Board Appreciation should not be just a one-time event, but an ongoing commitment to recognizing the hard work, dedication, and impact of school board members. By showing appreciation for their service, we honor their contributions to education and inspire others to become engaged advocates for students and schools. Let us celebrate school board members for their unwavering commitment to excellence and their invaluable contributions to shaping the future of our communities.