School system honors board

From left, Jenkins County School Superintendent Joan Blackwood presents plaques of appreciation to board of education members Irene Drummer, Roy Cook, Vickie Odom, Carroll Gay and Roderick Campbell during School Board Appreciation Week. (Photo contributed)

The Jenkins County school system joined in a statewide celebration last week to salute the efforts of local school board members. The week of March 17-21 has been proclaimed School Board Appreciation Week in Georgia. The weeklong observance calls attention to the contributions of local boards of education.

Superintendent Joan Blackwood stated, "Citizens elect board members to represent the community's voice on education matters and to set the vision for the school district. Our board spends countless hours fulfilling its responsibilities and working together to continually improve our education system. Local school boards represent a continuing commitment to local citizen control and decisionmaking in education."

Board members serving are as follows: Carroll Gay, Chairman; Roderick Campbell, Vice Chairman; Roy Cook, Irene Drummer and Vickie Odom.

As constitutional officers of Georgia, school board members are responsible for setting educational policies, employing school personnel, providing buildings and equipment, operating a transportation system and disbursing school funds. As community leaders, school board members serve as advocates for the children in local public schools and must study, evaluate and decide what actions are in the best interest of those students.

The Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) sponsors the celebration. The mission of GSBA is to ensure excellence in the governance of local school systems by providing leadership, advocacy and services, and by representing the collective resolve of Georgia's 180 elected boards of education. Please visit www.gsba.com for more information.