November 15 marks the official statewide observance of School Board Members Day in Illinois. Each year, this day is an opportunity to show support for your board of education and the individual school board members who are committed to providing a local voice for your educational decisions.
It is a time to acknowledge the board’s role in creating educational opportunities that meet the goals set forth by the community for their children. These goals are measured by providing a quality education and a pathway to a successful future for each and every student. It’s also an opportunity to acknowledge that it takes partnerships and communities working together toward these common goals to ensure they are achieved.
School Board Members Day is an occasion to recognize board members who serve as unpaid volunteers for the benefit of the students and the community. They act as the front-line education advocates providing a local voice and vision for the district by putting in place the educational priorities of area residents.
But board members are only one piece of a partnership that works in tandem with the district administration, parents, community leaders, teachers, students, and other public education advocates to create quality learning opportunities for each and every student. This partnership ensures that every child has the resources to be successful and achieve their dreams.
As a community, we meet challenges head-on and by working as a team supporting our shared educational vision. We come together when faced with difficulties and we celebrate together when we triumph. Our success is achieved when we work together with a focus on our primary goal: providing a quality education to every student of the district.
A great school system is a source of local pride among residents. We owe it to our children and our students — the future leaders of our community and country — to do everything in our power to provide them with the opportunities for success.