LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Director applauds contributions of school board members

To the editor, School Board Member Appreciation Week in Tennessee is Jan. 25 through Jan. 31. Unicoi County Schools is proud to join school districts across the state in celebrating this occasion and recognizing our local board members for their dedicated service to Unicoi County and its students. This year's theme, "Local Leadership Lasting Impact," highlights the impact our school boards have on our students and community. School board members play a vital role in shaping public education, serving as the bridge between communities and their schools. Their work includes setting policy, approving budgets, advocating for students and ensuring accountability —all while balancing the needs of educators and families. School board members are volunteers who devote countless hours to making decisions that impact the future of our students and our communities. They guide districts through complex challenges while keeping student success at the center of every decision. Their service is often behind the scenes, yet its impact is felt in every classroom and school. School Board Appreciation Week is an opportunity to pause and say thank you for their leadership, integrity, and commitment to public education. We invite our community to join us in expressing appreciation for our school board members and to thank them for their vision, leadership and dedication to the success of every student. Thank you, Cathy Thomas, Tammy Tipton, Dr. Guillermo Mendoza, Alan Foster, Steve Scott and Steve Willis for your service to our community. We value your dedication and recognize the important role you play in shaping successful outcomes for our students. John EnglishDirector, Unicoi County Schools