Northville Public Schools is joining 544 local and 57 intermediate school districts across Michigan to celebrate January as School Board Recognition Month.
“In a year full of challenges for public education not seen in recent history, our school board members persevered through the adversity of 2020, and have grappled with providing the best possible education for our students given the ongoing challenges of a global health crisis,” noted Superintendent of Northville Schools Mary Kay Gallagher in a prepared statement. “Celebrating School Board Recognition Month is one of the ways in which we can express appreciation for these dedicated public servants, who continue to devote hours of time to our district, students, families, staff and community, and who serve without monetary compensation,” she added.
School board members represent the views and priorities of their community in the complex system of maintaining and running a district's public schools, Gallagher noted. “They also reinforce the principle of local control over public education, which is an important, highly valued aspect of education in Michigan. Our board of education establishes the district's vision, mission and goals while developing policies to achieve them; they encourage continuous improvement in student learning; and advocate at the local, state and national level in support of public education.”
Gallagher said that the Northville community is fortunate to have an actively involved, deeply committed board of education dedicated to leading and supporting the ongoing quest of the district to open A World of Possibilities for and with students that will prepare them for life and work in a global society. “This responsibility requires the time and energy to prepare for, and attend countless meetings and school functions; review agendas, documents, proposals, and reports; and make difficult decisions that are both fiscally responsible and focused on what is best for the students, families, staff and community of Northville Public Schools,” she said.
The Northville Board of Education is made up of seven members, each of whom brings varied perspectives and experiences to the table, working together in partnership with educators and administrators to provide Northville students experiences, opportunities and endless possibilities steeped in tradition and excellence, Gallagher continued. “Our community gives us its best to fulfill the duties of the school board requiring countless hours of thoughtful dialogue, engagement, research, attending school and community functions, and much more during each term. Each board member serves as a voice of the community along with building connections between community organizations and the district. At Northville we are proud of our long history of board members who have created lasting imprints in our community history.”
The Board of Education members serving Northville Public Schools and their years of service include: Roland Hwang, six years; Sarah Prescott, five-and-a-half years; Angela Jafaar, two years; Suzanne Lynn, two years; James Mazurek, 2011 -2018, recently elected; Lisa McIntyre, recently elected and Lindsey Wilson, also recently elected
“We also recognize the following individuals who stepped down from the board of education at the conclusion of their term on Dec. 31, 2020 for their leadership and service: Cynthia L. Jankowski who served for nine years; Matthew Wilk, who served for eight-and-a-half years and Laurie Doner, who served for four years.
