Special to The Post-Searchlight
The Decatur County Schools (DCS) are joining in a statewide celebration this week to salute the efforts of local school board members, according to a press release from the DCS.
The week of March 18-22 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 to set the vision for the school district,” said Dr. Fred Rayfield, DCS superintendent. “Our board spends countless hours fulfilling its responsibilities and working together to continually improve our public education system.
“As the citizens elect their board members 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 DCS, and their years of service are:
• Dr. Sydney Cochran, chairman — 14 years.
• Jacky Grubbs, vice chairman — 14 years.
• Bobby Barber Jr. — four years.
• Randall Jones — 12 years.
• Kelvin Bouie — one year.
• Winston Rollins — eight 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 school 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 ensure 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. Please visit www.gsba.com for more information.