Dear Editor:

The month of January marks the annual observance of School Board Recognition Month– a time to salute the work of school board members and celebrate public education.

The theme of this year’s celebration, “Forward, Together,” reminds us all to celebrate the unique role school boards play in championing and advocating for quality education and the ownership they take for governing their local public schools. As the elected/appointed representatives of the people in their local communities, they represent their local communities’ voice and vision for their public schools.

In Marlboro County School District, school board members must develop policies and make tough decisions on complex educational and social issues impacting the entire community. They take responsibility for an annual budget of $41,085, 207, over 3,000 students, and 600 employees. They carry out the truest form of representative government in our democracy – volunteer public service and preserve the core of our democratic society – public education.

Too often we neglect to recognize the dedication and hard work of these men and women who represent us. I invite you to recognize and celebrate the work of your school trustees. Invite them out for coffee. Ask how you might help support your local neighborhood schools. Write your school board members a thank you note. Let them know you appreciate what they do for students in Marlboro County School District.

The men and women serving Marlboro County School District are Michael Coachman, Danny Driggers, Reginald Gaymon, David Flowers, Nikki Pruitt, Leevander McRae Jr., Dr. Rippin McLeod, and Michael Toms.

Respectfully,

Donald E. Andrews

Interim Superintendent for Marlboro County School District