Challenges with big rewards
John Heim - Emporia Superintendent of Schools
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
— Martin Luther King Jr.
ELECTED office can be a demanding but rewarding job. Elected officials are assured of much advice and criticism, yet they are often overlooked when it comes time to show appreciation to the individuals who make personal sacrifices for good of the community.
The month of January is designated as School Board Recognition Month in Kansas. No formal events were planned in the Emporia district for this annual observance, but it is appropriate to take time to thank the men and women who serve on the Emporia Board of Education.
Emporia’s Board of Education is comprised of Angie Schreiber, president; Glen Strickland, vice president; and Mike Crouch, Mike Helbert, Mary Helmer, Grant Riles and Brent Windsor. Together, they have one of the most important responsibilities of any elected official: providing for the education of all Emporia’s children.
In Kansas, board of education members serve four-year terms and there is no limit to the number of terms they serve. Many citizens may not be aware that they receive no pay for their service. They are responsible for setting policies, establishing an annual budget, and fulfilling state and federal educational requirements. They must focus on increased student learning and be accountable for meeting challenging state and federal academic goals.
To keep the workload manageable, Emporia’s board meets twice a month, with a couple of exceptions. During a four-year term, a board member will be required to attend a minimum of 92 meetings, plus occasional special meetings. The board also has several study sessions and goal-setting retreats during the year. They also schedule lunch at a different school each month. The board president and vice president attend twice monthly meetings to develop the agendas for the regular meeting. The time spent in board meetings represents only a portion of the hours school board members devote to their public service work. Board members serve on district and community boards and committees. These include the District Audit Committee, District Interest-Based Bargaining Team, Superintendent’s Budget Committee, Emporia Recreation Commission, Flint Hills Technical College Board of Trustees, and the Chamber’s Joint Economic Development Advisory Council (JEDAC). Board members also are expected to attend many school and district events, as well as ongoing training offered by the Kansas Association of School Boards. They also receive weekly packets of information that provide background and research on upcoming agenda items as well as current educational topics.
Emporians have a custom of electing board of education members who want to make a difference through education. It is important for all of us to recognize the contributions the make to the children and to the future of our community.