January 14, 2019 - In Texas, more than 5.3 million students rely on public schools to help them prepare for the future. They count on the adults in this state to ensure that schools are available, qualified teachers are in place, buildings are safe, and resources are provided. It’s a big job to plant the seeds of success in that many students from pre-k and kindergarten to high school juniors and seniors and dual-credit courses.
It’s a big job and a critically important one. It’s a job that we as adults must take seriously. When we were children, adults provided schools for us. Now it’s our turn to make the commitment to ensure that today’s children have what they need. Each of us must stand up for our neighborhood schools and do our part to provide for the next generation of leaders.
Fortunately, in every community we have great examples of adults who have already stepped up to make sure that local schools are ready for the inquiring minds of today’s students. In every community in Texas, adults have taken on the responsibility and the hard work of making our schools the best they can be.
Locally elected school trustees are working in every Texas school district to make certain that the children have access to the best schools we can offer. Trustees are volunteers who donate hours of their time each month to keep the commitment to today’s students. Trustees receive no pay for their work.
Trustees are required to seek out hours of training each year. Trustees are public servants who generously work to benefit the youngest, most vulnerable members of each community.
Take a moment to recognize your local trustees: Aaron Roland-President; Ronny Samford-Vice President; Vickie Jernigan-Secretary; Robert Barton, Board Member; Tracy Collins, Board Member; Mike Ogden, Board Member; and Colette Cross DePriest. Take a moment to honor the work they are doing to plant seeds of success in the students in your community. Take a moment to say thank you for the work school board members are doing on your behalf.
Join me in celebrating School Board Recognition Month throughout the month of January.
Scott Tyner, Tenaha ISD Superintendent of Schools.
