Thank a board of education member

January holds various meanings for different people. It is the beginning of a new year, a new legislative year, a time to refresh ourselves and I would argue our perceptions, and a time of hope. There is another aspect of January that many overlook, it is Local Board of Education Appreciation Month.

As I have stated many times before, it does not take a special month for me to appreciate our board members, or anyone else associated with the education of our students. Saying that, it is important to pause and recognize the work and commitment of our local board members in Kentucky.

Being a local board member is challenging. They have a tremendous responsibility. They have to make decisions on everything from how we ensure our students are fed to hiring the superintendent. They have to make difficult decisions that affect the lives and quality of education of students in their district and even hard decisions that affect the families and their taxes. They do not get to take a day off. They do not get the luxury of ignoring the community that elected them. Local board members have to make tough decisions, while also resisting the temptation to exert themselves and their own personal opinions into matters in which they have no place. Trust me, this is tough, but our best board members know how to work at a policy level to continually increase the level of quality of education for all students in the district.

At the end of the day, our local boards understand that they are there for students, not the personal interests of adults. Sure, there are some exceptions and unfortunately they get the attention. But, the vast majority of our board members are proud to stand with and for children. They are proud to take a stand to make hard decisions to give our students the best opportunity for a brighter future.

I call on all Kentuckians to thank their local board members. Even if there is a board member you do not agree with them, thank them for their time, service and dedication. They have earned your respect. I gladly give them mine. Thank you, local board members, for your service to our children.

Board of education members critical to future of public education

The boards of education in our state and country share a tremendous responsibility. They are critical to improving the lives of students, and in turn our state and nation. Although we officially celebrate their contributions next month in Kentucky, in advance of that, I think it is important to highlight the significance of their work as we prepare for a new legislative session and to take on increased state and local control of public education should the federal Every Student Succeeds Act become law, which it likely will be by the end of the year.

I want to start with my thoughts on my own state board. I believe that some of the most important work I do is with the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE). Our work together forms the basis of the vision we have for education in Kentucky. Our relationship is critical to progress and our working together helps us come to the best answer. That does not mean they always agree with each other, or with me. What it does mean is we that work hard – together – to consider every possibility and develop policy that will result in a better educational experience for our students. In my opinion, I have the opportunity to work with the best board in the country. The members understand the need for their leadership, commitment, focus on policy and taking action based on what will provide the greatest benefit for our children. They are a great model for the Commonwealth and the nation.

This is an interesting time in Kentucky and if there has ever been a need for the leadership of our local boards, it is now. We know from research across the country that the best boards work well together, with their district offices, and focus on policy. I know this can be tough given all the demands and information board members receive on a daily basis, but it is critical that we all focus on children and make it a priority to act in their best interest. 

In the face of new accountability, lower budgets and shifting priorities, our local board members stand between the policies at the state level and implementation at the school level. Local board members play a special role in our communities. Unless they have served on a local board, I do not think people realize that being a board member is a full time job – with little or no pay. They do not get to turn off being a board member at the grocery store, the mall, or even church. They listen to the concerns of the community, their superintendents, their parents and their community at large. They then have to take those concerns and determine the best course of action for students given the resources at their disposal. I applaud their work and their dedication.  

As we move into our legislative and budget session, it will be critical that our local board members provide leadership on policy work at the local and state level. Their constituency does not only elect them to manage the school system, but also local board members are entrusted with providing the conditions by which our students can achieve the American Dream. 

I am excited about our work ahead. With the expected approval of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, we are about to embark on the huge task of developing a new accountability system for the Commonwealth. I am honored to do that work for our students with our local board members and our other education shareholders.