Local school board members recognized for exemplary service

Local school board members Connie Cauchi, Therese Haley, Don Hannah, Barbara Richards, and Marie Roth were celebrated during the recent Clare-Gladwin Area School Board Association meeting for their exceptional contributions to the school districts they serve. 

In honor of his 26 years of participation on local school boards, Don Hannah, current treasurer of Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District (RESD) Board of Education, was presented with the 2012-2013 Forrest Sogge Memorial Board Member of the Year Award. Created in 2004,the Board Member of the Year Award recognizes a local school board member who demonstrates high standards of service, educational enrichment, and leadership to the school district he or she serves.  Over the years, Hannah has filled seats on the boards of education for Beaverton Rural Schools and Clare-Gladwin RESD, and has performed the roles of president, vice-president, treasurer, and trustee.

The remaining four award recipients accepted certificates acknowledging their successful completion of classes offered to school board members by the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB). These classes are designed to help in the development of new skills and keep participants informed on the latest educational issues.    

Harrison Community Schools Board President Roth, Vice-President Cauchi, and Secretary Haley, along with Clare-Gladwin RESD Board President Richards were each given Level One Certifications for conquering  MASB’s nine 100-level courses covering topics such as school budget and finance, curriculum and instruction, the legislative process, data informed decision making, and more. The community leaders were also granted the Award of Merit for gaining an additional 45 education credits through professional development, leadership experience, and service.

Richards and Roth earned further acclaim with the Award of Distinction which recognizes board members who have accumulated a minimum of 208 education credits and completed the 100-level courses, as well as four 200-level courses. MASB’s 200-level classes address capital planning for school districts, superintendent selection, community relations, school law, reporting organizational performance, and more.

“Our communities are fortunate to have school board members who make every effort to become experts in their roles so they may offer effective guidance to the local districts,” said Clare-Gladwin RESD Superintendent Sheryl Presler. “Their actions clearly illustrate their dedication to their responsibilities as school board members and their commitment to our students.”  

###

Don Hannah (left), current treasurer for Clare-Gladwin RESD’s Board of Education, receives the 2012-2013 Forrest Sogge Memorial Board Member of the Year Award for his 26 years of service to local school districts, including Harrison Community Schools and Clare-Gladwin RESD. Sheryl Presler, superintendent of the RESD, presented him with the honor.

Clare-Gladwin RESD Board of Education President Barbara Richards (left) accepts the Level One Certification, Award of Merit, and Award of Distinction from Ruth Coppens (right), president-elect of the MASB Board of Directors.

Barb Russell of MASB’s Board of Directors (left) presents Harrison Community Schools Board of Education President Marie Roth (right) with the Level One Certification, Award of Merit, and Award of Distinction.

 Harrison Community Schools Board of Education Secretary Therese Haley (left) accepts the  Level One Certification and Award of Merit from MASB’s Barb Russell and Eric Griggs. 

Connie Cauchi (left), vice-president of the Harrison Community Schools Board of Education, smiles after receiving the Level One Certification and Award of Merit from Ruth Coppens, the president-elect of MASB’s Board of Directors.