Manchester Community Schools Recognizes School Board Members

January is School Board Recognition Month and Manchester Community Schools is joining 541 local and 56 intermediate school districts across the state to thank these community volunteers for their untiring dedication to public education.

The men and women serving Manchester Community Schools (and their years of service) are: Chris Fegan (9), Lyndon Uphaus (15.5), Sheryl Purol (8), Dara Psarouthakis (7), Rebecca Harvey (1), Mike Austin (1), and Ron Ellison (16).

“Serving on a school board has been described as the ‘toughest volunteer job in America,’” said Cherie Vananatter, Superintendent. “Yet Michigan’s public school board members dedicate countless personal hours to attending meetings, school functions, and hours of preparation for the decisions they make. They develop policies and make tough decisions that help shape the future of our education system. They bear responsibility and oversight for an annual budget of $11 million, 1,066 students, 150 employees and four buildings.”

On top of that, many pursue their own professional development to stay on top of the ever-changing education landscape. Collectively, school board members in Michigan have spent about 7,000 hours attending training and professional development. They’re dedicated individuals who are committed to the continuing success of our schools and students.

“We proudly join educators and community members in saluting these education advocates as they provide vision and leadership for student achievement, academic programs, district funding and school facilities,” Vannatter said. “They preserve the core of our democracy—public education.”

Tonight, January 18, at this month’s school board meeting, the board members will be presented with certificates of appreciation for their service to the district.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.