Thank School Board Members this month

January is School Board Recognition Month, which is a time to focus on the crucial role an elected board of trustees plays in our communities and schools. Oconee County Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Thorsland encourages residents to thank those that serve the community on the five-member board. “I think the main thing is just to tell them thank you. Jerry Lee represents School District I, Rosemary Bailes, District II, Andy Inabinet is chairman and represents District III, Denise McCormick is from District IV and Buddy Herring represents District V. So often in the news, you hear many school boards that can be dysfunctional, many times, school board members get elected because they have an axe to grind or they have a specific issue they want to get address. Our school board is not like that, they work together as a cohesive unit and they truly have the best interest of students and teachers in mind when they make decisions, so it is just a pleasure to work for them, they are a great group.” Even though showing appreciation should be a year-round process, taking advantage of the designated School Board Recognition Month in January ensures that these important people receive some of the thanks they deserve.