School recognition

January Is National School Board Month, but do you know the background on how and why this became such an important month for recognizing our school boards across the United States? Read on.

First, in 1721, local government authorities in Boston delegated part of their control over schools to lay citizens. Why? In a nutshell, the town selectmen were burdened with the details of education as defined by the Massachusetts Laws of 1642 (establishing the right of the government to demand universal and literacy) and the Old Deluder Law of 1647 (establishing compulsory schools for the young).

Second, in 1826, Massachusetts took the final step in the evolution of a district school board by ordering each town in the state to elect a separate school committee to have "the general charge and superintendence of all the public schools" of the town. This law marks the final transfer of educational functions from the selectmen to the new body, created specifically for administering public education in the towns.

Third, the National School Board Association initiated National School Board Recognition Month in 1995 when its Delegate Assembly adopted a resolution for school boards recognition month. States followed suit by dedicating a time of the year to recognize the contributions of local school board members. NSBA knows that local school boards are the best example of democracy in action — thus, the recognition for their work.

We are very fortunate to have seven dedicated board members who work hard to provide a quality school system in Whitefish, a system in which all children are expected to be given the opportunity to learn, a system of high standards for both behavior as well as academics, and finally, a system that prepares students to our community and national leaders of tomorrow.

Please join me in recognizing Whitefish School of Trustees as an outstanding board who truly cares for our students and for the welfare of the district's employees. Take a moment and give thanks to Dave Fern, Pat Jarvi, Phil Mitchell, Doug Rhodes, Brian Lauterbach, Amy Eddy and Eric Hosek.

Thanks may be personal notes, student cards of appreciation, a letter signed by many — and the list is as long as you can think of.

Jerry House

School District 44

superintendent