A big "thank you" to school board members!

In salute and thanks to the nearly 6,000 elected school board members in the state, November 15, 2011, is designated as "School Board Members Day" in Illinois. This is an opportunity to build community awareness and understanding about the crucial role an elected board of education assumes in a representative democracy.

This day of observance offers an opportunity to build a stronger relationship between school board members and the community. That's why IASB is encouraging appropriate district personnel to contact their community leaders, business partners and local civic groups to join in recognition efforts.

By working with the community, districts can assure that these dedicated public servants are recognized for their board policy and governance work on behalf of children, parents and families. If districts prefer, these Illinois-specific materials may be adapted for use in January, when many states celebrate board member service for an entire month.

Materials to help districts organize their activities include the following newly revised materials:

• Memo from IASB's Executive Director Emeritus
• News release for local media
• Tip sheet of suggested activities
• Letter to community groups
• Sample article for district newsletters and other publications
• Sample marquees
• Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
• 2011 Illinois School Facts
• Education quotes
• Proclamation for use by local government
• Printable logo
• Certificates for district presentation to board members (provided in a fillable form to personalize and print directly from the website)

Questions? Contact Linda Dawson at 217-528-9688, ext. 1104, or ldawson@iasb.com.

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