January is School Board Recognition Month, and Rochester Community Schools is joining 552 local and 56 intermediate school districts across the state to thank these community volunteers for their untiring dedication to public education.

Serving on a school board has been described as the ‘toughest volunteer job in America.’ Yet Michigan’s public school board members dedicate countless personal hours to attending meetings, school functions, and hours of preparation for the decisions they makeOn top of that, many pursue their own professional development to stay on top of the ever-changing education landscape. Collectively, school board members in Michigan have spent about 7,000 hours attending training and professional development. They’re dedicated individuals who are committed to the continuing success of our schools and students. 

It’s an exciting and challenging time in public education. School board members in Rochester Community Schools develop policies and make tough decisions that help shape the future of our education system. They bear responsibility and oversight for an annual budget of $156 million, 14,700 students, 1,200 employees and 25 buildings. 

Please join Rochester Community Schools in saluting these education advocates as they provide vision and leadership for student achievement, academic programs, district funding and school facilities. They preserve the core of our democracy—public education. 

There will be a community reception with light refreshments honoring board members at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 14, 2013 in the Harrison Room at the Administration Center, 501 W. University, Rochester. 

The men and women serving Rochester Community Schools are Beth Talbert, President, Lisa Nowak, Vice President, Pat Piskulich, Secretary, Jennifer Berwick, Treasurer, Chuck Coutteau, Trustee, Jane Pierobon, Trustee and Mike Zabat, Trustee.