January is School Board Recognition Month and Cass City Public Schools is joining 552 local and 57 intermediate school districts across the state to thank these community volunteers for their untiring dedication to public education.

Serving on a school board has been described as the toughest volunteer job in America. Michigan public school board members dedicate countless personal hours to attending meetings, attending school functions and prepping for the decisions they make. On top of that, many pursue their own professional development to stay on top of the ever-changing education landscape. They are dedicated individuals who are committed to the continuing success of our schools and students.

It’s an exciting and challenging time in public education. School board members in Cass City spent a year developing board policies and are frequently asked to make tough decisions that help shape the future of our local school system. They bear the responsibility and oversight for an annual budget of approximately $9.6 million dollars, 145 employees, 4 buildings, 9 bus routes, 100 acres of land and approximately 1,123 students at any given time.

“We proudly join educators and community members across the state in saluting these advocates as they provide vision and leadership for student achievement, academic programs, district funding and school facilities,” said Superintendent Jeff Hartel.

School board members will be honored on January 23, 2012 at the regularly scheduled board meeting. Student Council members from the high school and middle school will be there to present them with a small token of gratitude. Please feel free to attend to say thanks as well. Board meetings begin at 7:00 pm and are held in the high school media center.

The men and women serving Cass City Public Schools and their years of service are: President Craig Bellew (5 years), Vice President Alice Zaleski (2 years), Treasurer Jim Veneziano (4 years), Secretary Sloane Stimpfel (3 years), Trustee Dave Osentoski (3 years), Trustee Kathy Leslie (1 1/2 years) and Trustee Dan Manwell (1 year).