Nov. 15 will mark the official statewide observance of School Board Members Day in Illinois. The honorary day is an opportunity for the district and community to show support for the board of education and their commitment to providing a local voice for our community’s educational vision.
Leadership has taken on new meaning in 2020. School Board Members Day is a time to reflect on the board’s role in creating lasting educational opportunities that meet local desires and offer a pathway to a successful future for each and every child. It’s an opportunity to honor school board members who serve as volunteers for the benefit of the students and community residents, while also acting as front-line education advocates providing a local voice and vision for the district. All of these responsibilities still hold true, but they take on a much larger meaning in 2020.
For board members, the tough choices this year go beyond traditional educational outcomes. While continuing to champion academic success, school board members must also weigh their decisions in terms of the health and safety of students, teachers, and members of the community. School board members continue to work to ensure that the decisions of the district are equitable for all and that everybody is given the resources and opportunities to achieve their dreams. For school boards this year, it is about making the most out of difficult circumstances and perseverance during times of challenge, while still being able to achieve the goals necessary for our students to become outstanding citizens.
For more, please see this week’s print edition.