Week recognizes efforts of elected school board members

Staff

Published Thursday, February 26, 2004

By Ann Austin, Tribune staff writer

School Board Appreciation Week is this week, and what better time to showcase the members of the board and their work for the community.

Dr. David Prescott, superintendent of Albert Lea schools, expressed his regard for the members of the board.

"The time they put in is just incredible," he said.

Prescott commented on their spirit and willingness to work together on issues to seek common ground.

"They deal with issues and not each other," he said.

Chairman Ken Peterson joined the board to be involved and give something back to the community. His work now serves to improve the lives of youth in Freeborn County. "Youth are a key component of our community and will provide our future," he said. "It is fun to watch kids excel academically, socially and in the various activities that are provided at our district."

Tom Eaton is a member because he enjoys working with, and for, children. "First of all, my passion is kids," he said. His father was also a member of the school board and Eaton has fond memories of those times.

Jolinda Schreiber was a volunteer and worked within the schools for years before she decided to be a part of the board. She is very passionate about parental involvement in the schools and believes that a parent's involvement leads to improved achievement for the students.

As far as time commitment, it varies, but the board members try to be involved with the schools as much as possible. "We have two monthly board meetings, normally 2-4 workshops or retreat meetings each month, various committee meetings, negotiating assignments and try to attend several activities," Peterson said.

Eaton strongly believes in being an active member in the schools. It is not a requirement to attend school programs or keep in touch with what's going on locally, state and nationally with schools, but to be a good school board member being involved is important, he said. There are so many things going on with the schools that being involved in them requires a good balance. "It can consume your life if you let it," he said.

Since Schreiber is one of the newest members, she has found that she spends a great deal of time just learning the ropes. She spends more time reading, listening and asking a lot of questions, but has been enjoying her work with the board. "It's been a really positive experience for me," she said.

The members have gotten a lot out of their involvement in the board. Even though they've been dealing with budget issues and the No Child Left Behind policy, which created new standards but does not fund them, the board members stay focused on what they are there for: the students. Schreiber commented how the board often questions: "What is best for the kids?"

"We have really great people," Eaton said, referring to not only school board members, but everyone involved in the schools. "I'm really proud of how the district operates."

(Contact Ann Austin at ann.austin@albertleatribune.com or 379-3435.)

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