It was a rare moment in the spotlight for seven individuals last week as administrators, parents and others praised members of Clarkston Community Schools? Board of Education.
Acknowledging January as School Board Recognition Month in Michigan, Superintendent Al Roberts applauded the board.
‘These are seven individuals who never see the spotlight except to place it on the kids, and we are fortunate in the community to have them,? Roberts said at the Jan. 12 school board meeting.
‘It can be a pretty frustrating job. Few people understand the commitment needed to do the job well; the time, effort and energy is significant and the monetary reward is just a token.?
Roberts said he felt it is important for administrators, faculty and staff to show appreciation for the work school board members do on behalf of more than 8,100 students currently attending school in the district.
‘Governing is not an easy task and budgeting’is very difficult,? he told the board. ‘But your vision, your commitment to our students, your integrity to do what is right’not what is easy or popular’and your desire to make Clarkston a district of excellence makes you a school board worthy of recognition. Thank you.?
Administrators read a proclamation from Gov. Jennifer Granholm, followed with a resolution from the State Board of Education.
Others also expressed appreciation.
‘Speaking as a representative for all Clarkston parents, I’m proud our school board continues to value performing arts at times when new graduation requirements and budget constraints can threaten our systems,? said Elizabeth Egan, who serves as Clarkston PTSA president and PTA council president.
Egan also said she appreciated the board’s support of ‘appropriate academic challenges? for students, as well as the encouragement of parental involvement in the schools.
‘We are indeed a fortunate community,? she said. ‘We have a superintendent and school board that values the voices and talents of our parents.?
Egan presented the board with a donation to the Clarkston Foundation in the name of the 2008-2009 Clarkston Community School Board.
Brooke Davis, president of the Clarkston Education Association, also presented a gift to the district on behalf of the board: award-winning, age appropriate books were sent to each school.
‘Your children’and for some of you, your grandchildren’can appreciate the joy of reading, then opening the cover to see your name for years to come,? he said.
Administrators bestowed the board with an artistic creation made by Pine Knob Elementary students, as well as a book light.
‘For reading your board packets,? Roberts joked.
School Board President Steve Hyer thanked the district and the community on behalf of the entire board.
‘We certainly don’t do the job for recognition,? he said. ‘But we appreciate you recognizing the job we do tonight. Thank you.?