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January is School Director’s Recognition Month a time for us at Lebanon School District to celebrate and recognize the challenging and vital work boards do on behalf of our students, schools and families.
Nine out of every 10 students in the United States attend public schools. Therefore, access to high-quality public education is crucial not only for our children’s success, but for the strength of our society. It takes a team of dedicated people – teachers, administrators, staff, parents and other community members – to provide that education. The nine members of your local school board are a key part of this team, making informed decisions that shape our public schools.
Our school directors devote time each month to the complex responsibilities of board business. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has added an additional challenge to school boards, as they determine how best to provide for the needs of students and their families in this new environment.
Board service is an unpaid position, and the majority of school directors cite their desire to give back or contribute to public education as the main motivation for their service.
As locally elected officials, school directors are invested in their communities. They are our neighbors, friends, local leaders, parents and engaged citizens.
During this month designated for recognizing these public servants, please take a moment to express your gratitude for school directors’ time and efforts year-round on behalf of our communities. The job they do ensures our schools continue to provide opportunities for success for every student, even during unprecedented circumstances. Please thank them for advocating on behalf of our collective interest and for the benefit of our children. Our directors are: Mr. Robert Okonak, Mr. Scott Barry, Mrs. Debra Bowman, Ms. Heather Eggert, Ms. Janice Falk, Mr. Matthew Hershey, Mrs. Tracy Johnsen, Mr. Michael Kuhn and Mr. Peter N. Pyles, Jr.