Show appreciation for school board members

School board members exemplify local citizen control and decision making in education.

They volunteer hundreds of hours and an immeasurable amount of energy to assure that Amherst Schools provides the best education possible for the children of our community.

The Ohio School Boards Association has declared that January is School Board Recognition Month, and for good reason.

Being an effective school board member is no easy task, particularly in today’s climate of change and challenge. School board members need to be knowledgeable about many complex education and social issues, and carry out initiatives and directives from both federal and state governments.

These are the men and women we elect to make critical decisions that affect, influence and direct the education of our youth.

When our district needed funds for new creative learning centers to enhance our education, board members stepped up and leveraged relationships with the Amherst Schools Educational Foundation to bring this vision to life.

When students needed an updated elementary school, our board members provided advocacy and volunteerism to pass the necessary bond issue to get construction started on a brand new Powers Elementary School.

They establish the policies that provide the framework for Amherst Schools. They represent you, and they take that responsibility very seriously.

Let’s honor and say “thank you” to Teresa L. Gilles, Valerie Neidert, Rex Engle, Marc Zappa and Ron Yacobozzi this month and beyond for their vision, voices and dedication.