Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has declared Jan. 22–28 as School Board Appreciation Week, which DeKalb County Director of Schools Patrick Cripps said is to help build awareness and understanding of the vital functions a locally elected board of education performs in a community.
The DeKalb County School System will join the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) and all public school districts across the state to celebrate the week and honor local board members for their commitment to children.
“Our school system is the backbone of our community, and these men and women devote countless hours to making sure our schools are helping every child,” said Director Cripps. “There is no greater honor that can be bestowed upon a citizen than membership on a local board of education. They spend countless hours studying the issues and regulations and make tough decisions when called upon to ensure the type of accountability people expect,” he said
Director Cripps said the key work of school boards is to raise student achievement by:
— “Creating a vision for what the community wants the school district to be and for making student achievement the top priority.”
— “Establishing standards for what students will be expected to learn and be able to do.”
— “Ensuring progress is measured to be sure the district’s goals are achieved and students are learning at expected levels.”
— “Being accountable for their decisions and actions by continually tracking and reporting results.”
— “Creating a safe, orderly climate where students can learn and teachers can teach.”
— “Forming partnerships with others in the community to solve common problems.”
— “Focusing attention on the need for continuous improvement by questioning, refining and revising issues related to student achievement.”
Moreover, Director Cripps said, “Our local school board shapes the future of education in DeKalb County by influencing the high-quality of education that our children and youth receive. The DeKalb County school board shows its commitment to educational excellence and equity-and for that we are very grateful for their attitude of service.”
Members of the DeKalb County Board of Education are Chairman W.J. (Dub) Evins, III; Vice Chairman Doug Stephens; Jim Beshearse, Jerry Wayne Johnson, Kate Miller, Danny Parkerson, and Shaun Tubbs.
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