This month marks the 26th annual School Board Recognition Month in Alabama.  This observance, which also is being celebrated nationally, offers us a chance to strengthen our relationship with our school board members while giving them a much deserved pat on the back. I love this year’s theme, “Superheroes for Alabama’s Students.”  This reaffirms the goal we all share: preparing our scholars to be tomorrow’s leaders, ready to thrive in our ever-changing society. 

Alabama school board members are chosen by their communities through election or appointment to govern local schools. They oversee multimillion-dollar budgets which fund education programs for more than 744,930 Alabama schoolchildren. Our local school board members are part of a statewide team that supports 91,277 employees, including 46,539 teachers, 3,110 administrators, and 35,712 support workers and others in 1,467 schools.

I want to take this time to thank my board of education for Selma City Schools.  They are board chair, Johnny “Skip” Moss, III, vice-chair and District 2 representative, Mrs. Brenda Randolph-Obomanu, District1, Mrs. Danielle Wooten, District 3, Mrs. Phylis Houser and District 4 Dr. Tanya Miles.

Each of these leaders devote many hours to their role as school board members.  We meet monthly, but their work extends far beyond these meetings.

Prior to voting on any item, our school board members read, research and speak to their constituents.  Although three of our members are current or former educators, they all are well-versed on what our schools need to be successful.  They care about each school and all of the scholars that we serve.

This is an exciting time to be a part of Selma City Schools.  We have a new, robust strategic plan.  We have dozens of new adopt-a-school partners.  We are on a pathway towards excellence. None of this would be possible without the dedication and support of our board of education.

My deepest appreciation is extended to the dedicated members of the Selma City Schools board.  They make it possible for local citizens to participate in education in our community. I salute these public servants. We will take time to recognize our board members at our monthly meeting this evening.  I invite you to join us at Meadowview Elementary School at 5:30 p.m.   

Get involved and be a part of the process.  As we consider closing schools, maintaining our financial solvency and continue to focus on improving our academic achievement, board members have difficult decisions to make.  I have no doubt that they are up for the task.  What more would you expect from superheroes?

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org.