Special to The Post-Searchlight

The Decatur County School District is joining in a statewide celebration this week to salute the efforts of local school board members. The week of March 12-16 has been proclaimed School Board Appreciation Week in Georgia. The weeklong observance calls attention to the contributions of local boards of education.

“Citizens elect board members to represent the community’s voice on education matters and set the vision for the school district,” said Decatur County School Superintendent Dr. Fred Rayfield. “Our board spends countless hours fulfilling its responsibilities and working together to continually improve our education system.

“As the citizens elect their men and women to represent them in education matters, local school boards represent a continuing commitment to local citizen control and decision-making in education.”

The individuals serving the school district and their years of service are: Dr. Sydney Cochran, chairman — 13 years; Jacky Grubbs, vice chairman — 13 years; Bobby Barber Jr. — three years; Randall Jones — 11 years; Clarissa Kendrick — 19 years; Winston Rollins — seven years.

As constitutional officers of Georgia, school board members are responsible for setting educational policies, employing school personnel, providing buildings and equipment, operating a transportation system and disbursing schools funds. As community leaders, school board members serve as advocates for the children in local public schools and must study, evaluate and decide what actions are in the best interest of those students.

The Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) sponsors the celebration. The mission of GSBA is to endure excellence in the governance of local school systems by providing leadership, advocacy and services, and by representing the collective resolve of Georgia’s 180 elected boards of education. Visit www.gsba.com for more information.