School Board Recognition Month

January is School Board Recognition Month! We very much appreciate our board members for the crucial role they play in our schools and communities. 

Thank you — Bill Gaines, Kevin Lewis, Erin Markquart, J.B. Smith and Tom Watson — for your commitment and contributions to Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, and for serving with a willing heart, positive attitude and the desire to make a difference. Learn more about each board member.

Elected school board members voluntarily tackle the enormous job of governing our school district in providing vision and leadership, while taking actions and making decisions that affect the present and future lives of our children. Watch this short video to learn more about the role of a school board member.

Here are just some of important functions of school boards:

• Educational Excellence: Support high standards, leverage data and data analysis to monitor the progress of initiatives and work collaboratively to create an environment that fosters learning and achievement.
• Policy Adoption: Responsible for developing and adopting policies that guide the school district’s operations in conformity with state and federal law.
• Budget Oversight: Work diligently to allocate resources efficiently and equitably, ensuring that funds are directed toward initiatives that directly benefit students.
• Community Advocacy: Advocate for policies and practices that reflect the needs and values of the community and its students.
• Legislative Advocacy: A bridge between the community and the school district, board members gain valuable insight to share with lawmakers as they work to equip the public education system to provide a variety of positive outcomes for our youth.

View the governor’s proclamation for School Board Recognition Month, which was initiated by the National School Boards Association in 1995.