By Mel Rhodes
Sitting on a local school board can be a thankless job; but it certainly doesn't have to be. January is School Board Recognition Month and students, educators and other members of the community are making their voices heard.
At this week's Mineral Wells ISD board meeting students both amused and impressed board members with their comments.
“Our school board saves us from ants,” one pest-conscious student said.
Other student observations were that the board “keeps us safe,” “stops bullying,” “helps us by telling the teachers to teach us stuff so we can be smart and know everything.” Yes, expectations are kind of high around here.
MWISD Supt. Dr. Gail G. Haterius also weighed in on the topic.
“We appreciate our school trustees for the critical role they play in clarifying our beliefs and vision of Mineral Wells ISD to our parents and community,” she said. “Being a school board member is sometimes a thankless job as the members deal with many and often difficult decisions. We appreciate our trustees and hope everyone in town will tell them thanks some time during this month.”
To drive home her belief that local trustees play a crucial role in the life of a community, Haterius said:
“Our district benefits from the contributions of the dedicated efforts of these local citizens who truly care about our kids. Our board is responsible for an annual budget of $29 million, 3,400-plus students and 477 employees. We applaud their willingness to serve as advocates for our children and the voice of public education.”
Some 7,300 men and women across the Lone Star State serve their respective communities by sitting on local school boards, contributing countless hours of uncompensated work. Elected by their constituents, these men and women are true public servants. And as Haterius said, hopefully everyone will take a moment to thank a trustee this month.
MWISD school board members are President Joe Ruelas, Vice President Scott Aaron, Secretary Scott Elder and at-large members Maria Jones, Joel Hardeman, David Bullock and Mike Tincher.
![23Graduation_FS003-M[1].jpg](http://d6673sr63mbv7.cloudfront.net/archive/x484449054/g030000000000000000016a976babfa4f96b5e61df6a286a09fc37aa872.jpg "23Graduation_FS003-M[1].jpg"){kind=small}
Man Who Disrupted Flight Ranted About CIA
Feds: 7-Eleven Stores Exploited Immigrants
Fla. Teen Catches Ride With Whale Shark
G8 Leaders Huddle on Syria
Raw: Obama, Putin Meet at G8
Iran's Rowhani Urges 'Path of Moderation'
Daughter: Mandela Doing 'Very Well'
Investigators Probe Origin of Colo. Wildfire
Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail
'Game of Thrones' Boosts N. Ireland
Raw: Prince Philip Leaves Hospital After Surgery
Zimmerman Jury Selection Turns to Media Exposure
Raw: FBI Meets Plane After Poison Threat
Family Tweets Say Kim Kardashian Gives Birth
US, EU Leaders Announce Free Trade Talks
