By proclamation of the governor, January is School Board Recognition Month.

It’s a great time to recognize our elected community members who selflessly give their time and energy in support of

high-quality public schooling for our youth. School board members in South Kitsap School

District are entrusted by this community with responsibility for an annual budget of $151 million,

9,800 students, 1,361 employees and 16 school buildings.

School boards are charged with making decisions that can sometimes be quite difficult or require

sifting through a great deal of information. They also bear responsibility for developing a vision

that will guide the school district for years to come. Through collaboration as a team, and with

school district staff, their governance and advocacy are building the future of education in

Washington state.

This January, we’re encouraging all members of the community to thank a board member. Please

thank them for volunteering their time and playing a critical civic role that helps form the bedrock

of our democracy — public education. As a crucial bridge between the local community and the

school district, their efforts are instrumental in helping all of us realize the hopes and dreams we

have for the children of our community.

The men and women serving South Kitsap School District are President Rebecca Diehl, Vice

President Keith Garton, Greg Wall, Liz Sebren and Eric Gattenby.

For more information about the South Kitsap School District School Board, visit

www.skschools.org/School Board.