District 230 School Board honored for American Education Week

This month schools celebrated American Education Week by thanking each individual who contributes to the school's mission. That celebration extended to the District 230 School Board meeting last evening as Superintendent Dr. James Gay thanked the seven School Board members for their service and commitment to assuring each of our students is prepared for whatever path they chose upon graduation. He shared the following remarks:

Our school board members demonstrate their commitment to our students, staff, parents and community through the decisions they make at this table, as well as through the open dialogue they foster as they consider important topics brought forward for action. Our School Board believes deeply in collaborative decision-making and connection to the community.

In fact, just a couple weeks ago, Rick Nogal and Melissa Gracias led a presentation along with Carla Erdey and myself at the Illinois Association of School Boards conference to share the vast array of opportunities the Board creates to engage the community as partners in education. Our Board's investment in the community is evidenced in collaborative goal setting in conjunction with the board, administration and association leaders. Board committees engage community members and staff in dialogue prior to Board consideration of important topics. This includes: Education Committee Chaired by Pat O'Sullivan and Vice Chaired by Kate Murphy-Peterson, Student Service Committee Chaired by Melissa Gracias and Vice Chair Denis Ryan, Building and Finance Committee Chaired by Tony Serratore and Sue Dalton. Each of the Board members are actively involved in at least two of these committees each month. S4 Summits with staff, community members, business leaders, trades representatives, social emotional service providers, higher education leaders and others. Townhall meetings connect residents and government officials. Luncheons bring students and senior citizens together. Their personal involvement in other volunteer organizations or on other community boards is also important to mention.

In addition to their work here in the district, our School Board members are leaders among school boards throughout the state. The Illinois Association of School Boards invited our board to present on District 230's process to attract and retain strong Board members. Rick Nogal, Tony Serratore and I took part in a panel discussion led by Jim Russel from IASB. That presentation highlighted how our board is an example of the qualities IASB promotes. This is the third time our Board has been invited to present alongside IASB staff.

Also connected to IASB, Denis Ryan serves as South Cook Region Director. Sue Dalton and Tony Serratore recently joined the ranks of several of our Board members with the designation of IASB Master Board Member.

Each of our Board members willingly share their experience with other school boards for the betterment of students throughout Illinois. Last night, we extend our gratitude to our School Board Members as strong advocates for public education and stewards of the resources provided by our community.

Please join me in thanking them for tireless, volunteer service.