Following is an account from the February OSBA Journal magazine on how school districts around Ohio celebrated School Board Recognition Month in January:

Parma City board members enjoy dinner with the Greenbriar Middle School Yeoman mascot during the district’s School Board Recognition Month celebration. Pictured are, from left, board members Kathleen Petrol and Kevin Kelley; President Cyndee Bratz; Vice President Rosemary Gulick; and board member Karen Dendorfer.

School board members are often criticized, but rarely thanked. These dedicated public servants commit themselves to many hours of time and effort on behalf of their school districts and communities.

As citizen-leaders, their work does not end when the school board meeting adjourns. They are always on the job, taking phone calls at home from constituents, answering questions in the grocery store, post office or ball game, and talking to reporters. And, just like the students they serve, they have homework to do ahead of, in between and after each meeting.

That’s why, each January, Ohio and many other states take time out to celebrate School Board Recognition month. The purpose is twofold: to acknowledge the hard work and sacrifices of Ohio’s more than 3,400 school board members and help the public understand the scope and far-reaching implications of board members’ roles. Many community members are unaware of the difficult, complex challenges board members face in trying to provide the best education possible while being effective stewards of public funds.

To help Ohio districts celebrate School Board Recognition Month, OSBA offers a Web-based resource kit. The kit includes a proclamation from Gov. Ted Strickland; tips on ways different groups can recognize board members; sample news releases, editorials, newsletter articles, public service announcements and resolutions; and a themed poster. The 2008 theme is, “Helping kids climb higher.”

OSBA also mails a full-sized copy of the poster to each school district. In addition, the association sends personalized certificates — signed by the OSBA president and its executive director — for every board member in the state, to be presented at a January board meeting.

The state’s school administrators, teachers, support staff, students, community members, local governments and others found many innovative ways to show their appreciation for the devotion and dedication board members put into their duties. While most districts recognized their members with a proclamation, OSBA certificates and small gifts, some went the extra mile to show their gratitude.

Deer Park Community City called out the superheroes to recognize its board. In fact, the district turned the board members into superheroes, via some creative cutting and pasting.

Deer Park Community City board member Steven C. Smith is memorialized as Mr. Incredible by a district student.

Gini Verbesselt, Deer Park communications coordinator, recruited five elementary students to draw superheroes and superimpose the board members’ heads on the drawings. The student who drew President Donna Farrell’s character created an original superheroine, shown standing before a flag representing the district’s Amity Elementary School. The other board members and their more well-known superhuman personas were: Vice President Thomas Griswold, Superman; Pat Branam, Mrs. Incredible; Terri Morrissey, Batgirl; and Steven C. Smith, Mr. Incredible.

“We played up the theme, thanking them for being heroes in our district, for always being there when we call out for them and for lending a hand in our educational process,” Verbesselt said. “They loved it!

“Since we are a tiny district with a small budget, I’ve looked for ways to say ‘thanks’ from the heart. Our district feels more like a large family than it does a school system. The board members are very caring of our entire staff and student body.”

Board members also were treated to a slide show featuring photos of them interacting in the community. The song, “Give a Little Bit,” by the band Supertramp, accompanied the presentation.

Elyria City invited one student from each of its buildings to a board meeting to share what they liked about school, said Amy Kren, district communications coordinator. Thirteen students, ranging from kindergartners to seniors, participated.

The students presented each board member a rose and an OSBA board recognition certificate. The program concluded with a cookie and punch reception.

The board at Forest Hills Local (Hamilton) was honored in several ways.

During the Jan. 28 meeting, board members were presented with OSBA certificates of appreciation and thank-you cards created by Ayer Elementary School students, said Sheila Vilvens, communications coordinator. They also enjoyed musical performances by group of talented Nagel Middle School students. The students were all members of Nagel’s various after-school musical programs, including Chamber Music Ensembles, Rock Orchestras and Fiddle Club (see photo, XXXX).

Earlier in the month, the board was recognized at a Turpin High School basketball game.

Loudonville-Perrysville EV board members received personal letters from each of the district’s fourth-grade students, according to Superintendent John E. Miller. The letters expressed appreciation, from a child’s perspective, for the important work the board does. Each message had a photo of the letter-writer on it.

Sentiments included:

• “I thank you for being so totally radical by doing what you do. I appreciate that you hire cool teachers. … I adore that you control our budget.”

• “Thank you for being a school board member. I want to thank you for paying the bills … and hiring the best teachers in the fourth grade.”

• “Thank you for teaching us and helping us in life. … I appreciate having a teacher to help us learn and get a job. Thank you for the TV and computers we use.”

School board members at Northwest Local (Hamilton) not only were recognized, but each became a newspaper columnist for a day.

“Because there were five Wednesdays in the month of January this year, and our local community paper is delivered on Wednesdays, we had each board member write an article for the press to help increase the communication between the board and the public,” said Pauletta Crowley, administrative assistant for community and administrative services. “Our superintendent wrote an article thanking the board, as well as a forward to their articles each week.”

The topics addressed were:

• Week 1 — The “nuts and bolts” of being a board member, including how board members are elected, the length of term, how many serve on the on the board and the number of meetings.

• Week 2— The format of a typical board meeting, with a look at the 10 steps, parliamentary procedure, how the public can communicate with the board during a meeting and how to communicate with the board outside of meetings.

• Week 3 — Explanations of executive sessions, the Sunshine Law and the discipline appeal process. The article also discussed the board’s need to hear from all stakeholders and the importance of board members being visible at district functions.

• Week 4 — An exploration of unfunded state and federal mandates and their impact on the district.

• Week 5 — An explanation of the Northwest Local board’s membership in OSBA and the superintendent’s membership with the Buckeye Association of School Administrators. The article discussed OSBA’s mission and function and how Northwest Local works with OSBA. The article also focused on legislative advocacy, including names and contact information for local legislators, and encouraged community members to communicate their views to state policymakers.

Students from Forest Hills Local’s (Hamilton) Nagel Middle School’s after-school musical ensembles perform for board members at their Jan. 28 meeting.

The district also presented the board with OSBA recognition certificates and gave each member a copy of the book, ITAL•Inch and Miles: The Journey to Success•, by former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden. The book explores leadership character traits and qualities. The books eventually will be placed in the district’s school libraries with a dedication to this year’s school board.

Painesville City Local (Lake) created a video filled with “thank yous” from staff and students, said Chris Hanahan, communications director.

“Some were very clever and funny,” Hanahan said. “Some people sang, some acted it out and some created a thank-you cheer. Others were just short and sweet: ‘Thanks for all you do.’”

The video was presented and shown at the January board meeting and ran daily throughout the month on the school TV channel. Each board member also received a copy.

The “Stars of the Night” shone brightly at Parma City’s celebration, as board members were treated to a wonderful night of recognition by Greenbriar Middle School students, staff and parents.

“The board members entered the meeting by walking on their own ‘Hollywood Stars’ sidewalk created by the students, complete with a star ice sculpture demonstration by a 2006 Olympic ice carver,” said Dr. Christina Dinklocker, deputy superintendent.

Board members also were treated a “star-studded” dinner served by students and staff, poetic and musical tributes, star cookies and starlight smoothies.

West Shore Career-Technical culinary arts students surprised Rocky River City board members at their meeting with pumpkin rolls and information on what they are learning in the program, according to Robin Reinbold, communications specialist. The high school leadership team sent potted flowers to brighten up each member’s seat at the board table, and other schools sent candy.

The board also received a resolution in recognition of their tireless efforts to promote and enhance education for the children and community of Rocky River.

The Westerville Parent Council recognized board members at the Jan. 28 Westerville City board meeting, said Lynne Maslowski, community engagement coordinator. Thinking the recognition portion of the meeting was over after they honored teachers at two schools, board members returned to their seats. That’s when Westerville Parent Council President Jeanette Talamo and her colleagues approached the podium, joined by interim Superintendent Christopher Wanner; incoming Superintendent Dr. Dan Good; and every member of the Executive Committee.

Talamo thanked the board members for their commitment to public education and expressed gratitude for their service on behalf of the school district and community. Each surprised board member was presented with a beautiful framed plaque of appreciation.

Information on some other School Board Recognition Month celebrations, gathered from school districts and newspaper accounts, includes:

• Brunswick City — The board was personally recognized by Superintendent Jim Hayas and in the local newspaper.

• Buckeye Local (Ashtabula) — Superintendent Nancy Williams presented OSBA certificates to members and commended them by saying, “You cannot appreciate the volume of material that goes to them. We very much appreciate the time and effort you put into this.”

• Bucyrus City — Superintendent Dr. Todd M. Nichols honored the board with a guest column in the local newspaper. Bucyrus Mayor Dan Ross proclaimed January School Board Recognition Month in the city and said, “This proclamation is in appreciation of all the hard work and dedication to our schools and students from board members. We thank you for all that you do.”

• Cambridge City — Treasurer Susan Tucker thanked the board and presented gift packages to the members. Board President Dan Carpenetti spoke about the importance of board service.

“Being a school board member is a very serious responsibility,” Carpenetti said. “I think the people that are on the board have run because they believe that they can make a difference in the community and in the education of our children.”

• Coshocton City — Superintendent Davie Hire recognized board members.

• East Liverpool City — Superintendent Ken Halbert presented board members OSBA certificates.

• Edison Local (Jefferson) — The board received commendation plaques from Superintendent Lisa Carmichael.

• Fayetteville-Perry Local (Brown) — Superintendent Roy Hill read a School Board Recognition Month proclamation to honor the board.

• Kings Local (Warren) — Superintendent Charles Mason recognized the board. “It’s not an easy job, and we don’t always agree, but every heart is with the children,” Mason said. “Thank you very much. Job well done.”

• Leipsic Local (Putnam) — Board members received OSBA certificates. In addition, Superintendent Alice Dewar presented plaques for exemplary service to retiring board members Daniel Schroeder and Karen Selhorst.

• Licking Valley Local (Licking) — Superintendent David Hile honored board members with OSBA certificates and a proclamation. The board also was recognized in the local newspaper.

• Lynchburg Clay Local (Highland) — The board was recognized with praise and OSBA certificates by Superintendent Greg Hawk.

“We sincerely appreciate your dedication,” Hawk said. “You get all the phone calls and catch all the flak. We are grateful for everything you do.”

• Marysville EV — The district hosted a reception to recognize its board members’ dedication and commitment. Community members, local businesses and school employees turned out to honor the board.

The walls in the reception area were decorated with posters prepared by district students to show their appreciation for the boards’ commitment to every student. Each board member also received a folder of thank-you letters written by elementary students.

• Mason City — The Friendly Faces Lunch Bunch, a group of about 60 elementary school students, created flowers and vases to present to board members. A PowerPoint presentation from the Lunch Bunch — complete with a resolution of thanks and a replica of OSBA’s School Board Recognition Month poster — accented the celebration.

• North Baltimore Local (Wood) — Superintendent Kyle Clark read a proclamation honoring school board members.

• Northridge Local (Licking) — Superintendent John Shepard honored the board in a guest newspaper column.

• River View Local (Coshocton) — The board was recognized with a proclamation and OSBA certificates.

West Geauga High School cheerleaders show their appreciation with a cheer while holding signs with board members’ last names.The cheerleaders created a special cheer for School Board Recognition Month and presented it during a reception for the board.

• West Geauga Local (Geauga) — Representatives from each of the district’s schools delivered a presentation at a reception honoring the board. One presentation featured a School Board Recognition Month cheer from the West Geauga High School cheerleaders.

• West Clermont Local (Clermont) — The board was recognized with OSBA certificates and in a newspaper article. Superintendent Dr. Gary Brooks said, “Our district benefits every day from the dedicated energies and countless hours devoted by a group of five dedicated board members.”

• Western Brown Local (Brown) — Superintendent Jeffrey A. Royalty recognized the board in a guest newspaper column.

• Wyoming City — Superintendent Gail Kist-Kline thanked board members with flowers and cider, and praised them for their dedication.

Raising a glass of sparkling cider in a toast to the board she said, “We thank you for your time and talent.”

Boardmanship OSBA © Ohio School Boards Association, 2008