All Nebraskans should recognize the vital contributions of these dedicated individuals and focus attention on the crucial role these elected public officials play in the education of our children.

            Thus, January 22-28 has been proclaimed, by Governor David Heineman, as 2012 Nebraska School Board Member Week. Nearly 2,000 NE citizens currently volunteer their time to serve on local public school boards.

            Often times, elected board officials only hear complaints and criticisms. Everyone could use an encouraging “Good job!” or positive comment. Please take the time to thank these caring volunteers for their contributions and dedication to high quality education. Their service to our community and future is monumental!

            Their job is to establish a vision for the educational program, design a structure to achieve that vision, assure schools are accountable to the community, and strongly advocate continuous improvement in student learning. That job entails an endless string of meetings and school functions to attend; a multitude of reports, agendas, and proposals to review; and countless decisions (often difficult and controversial) to make.

            A school district is only as effective as the governing board that leads it. Garden County students are blessed with six highly capable people who are committed to educational excellence:

            President Rex Miller, Vice-president Randy Stanczyk, Treasurer Mike Fischer,

Secretary Andrea Lake, and Members Matt Ardissono and Kelly Reece.

A HUGE “THANK YOU” TO YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO ON BEHALF OF OUR STUDENTS!

YOU ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!

-Dr. Paula Sissel,

Superintendent/Elementary Principal