School Board Recognition Month Resources
Even during a pandemic, it’s worth taking time to thank our elected school board members for charting the future of our students and communities. The Oregon School Boards Association has set aside the month of January to honor the unpaid elected volunteers who serve on Oregon’s 197 local school boards, our 19 education service district boards, and our 17 community college boards. These dedicated local leaders give their personal time and energy to handling the critical tasks of budgeting and overseeing the management of Oregon’s public education structure.
We encourage school districts, education service districts, community colleges, mayors and other local officials to join OSBA in celebrating “School Board Recognition Month” in January. By doing so, you can help educate citizens about the importance of public schools and the people who ensure that Oregon’s children receive the education they need to prosper in today’s global economy.
The Key Work of School Boards contains suggestions to engage your community and educate the public about the work of the school board. Show your community how your board and your school district are working to improve student achievement during School Board Recognition Month. The following resources can help you in this effort.
Toolkit
To help plan your activities to recognize Oregon school board members as superheroes, we looked at how schools around the state have celebrated their board members. There are many inexpensive ways to express thanks to hardworking board members. Consider borrowing some of these ideas to kick-start your efforts. Download the toolkit (PDF).
Graphics
Use the OSBA School Board Recognition Month graphic and logo on social media posts and printed materials. Remember to tag OSBA on your social posts and we will feature you in OREdNews!
Download the 2022 proclamation (PDF)
Model proclamation: Customize or edit this text for a proclamation of School Board Recognition Month by your mayors or other appropriate local officials.
Model ESD proclamation: Customize or edit this text for a proclamation that honors ESD boards for their innovative services to school districts in their respective regions.
Model community college proclamation: Customize or edit this text for a proclamation that honors community college boards for their services
Customize and edit these news releases for submission to local newspapers or inclusion in district/college newsletters.
OSBA launched the Oregon School Board Member of the Year award in 2018 to recognize outstanding volunteers who make a difference in their communities. Nominees are considered for their advocacy efforts, leadership and support for student achievement.
Congratulations to the Oregon School Board Members of the Year!
2021
Laurie Danzuka, Jefferson County School District
2020
Alicia Hays, Eugene School District
2019
Merle Comfort, La Grande School District and InterMountain Education Service District
2018
Anne Bryan, Beaverton School District