Re: Special Week Honors Georgia’s School Board Members

Contact: Donna Golden ph. 706-253-1700

Pickens County Schools is joining in a statewide celebration this week to salute the efforts of local school board members. The week of March 17-21, 2008, has been proclaimed School Board Member Appreciation Week in Georgia. The weeklong observance calls attention to the contributions of members of local boards of education.

“Citizens elect board members to represent the community’s voice on education matters and to set vision for the school district,” said Superintendent Mike Ballew. “Our board spends countless hours fulfilling its responsibilities and this is our opportunity to say thank you as a community for their public service.

“As the men and women citizens elect to represent them in education matters, local school boards represent a continuing commitment to local citizens control and decision-making in education,” said Superintendent Mike Ballew.

The Pickens County Board of Education members are: Chairman John T. Trammell, in his fourth year of service; Vice-chairman Jerry Chastain, in his fourth year of service; G. Mark Mitton, in his sixth year of service; Ervin Easterwood, in his sixth year of service; and Shane Neighbors in his second year of service.

As constitutional officers of Georgia, school board members are responsible for setting educational policies, employing school personnel, providing buildings and equipment, operating a transportation system and disbursing school funds. As community leaders, school board members serve as advocates for the children in local public schools and must study, evaluate and decide what actions are in the best interest of those students.

The Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) sponsors the celebration. The mission of GSBA is to ensure excellence in the governance of local school systems by providing leadership, advocacy and services, and by representing the collective resolve of Georgia’s 180 elected boards of education. Information about GSBA is available at www.gsba.com.

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