Dedicated to their students

School boards across the nation are receiving recognition in January due to School Board Appreciation Month.

Each campus of Clarendon and Hedley Independent School Districts presented its school board with various gifts, cards, and even a meal in gratitude of their service.

“We have a really terrific board that is focused on what is best for the students of our district,” CISD superintendent Monty Hysinger said. “They stay up to date on issues and challenges we face and keep their focus on providing the vision for the district. I think that they’re the best board in the state.”

Members of the Clarendon ISD school board include President Wayne Hardin, 22 years of service; Vice President Weldon Sears, 16 years; Secretary Lance Thornberry, 12 years; Marvin Thompson, 12 years; Robin Ellis, four years and Wes Hatley, two years.

“We have a great team, and we all work very well together,” Hardin said. “We may disagree on issues in a meeting because we all have our own ideas, but once we take a vote we always agree to abide by the decision.”

Members of the Hedley school board include President Bonnie Brown (one year), Vice President James E. Potts (four years), Secretary Lana Ritchie (two years), James L. Potts (three years), Tonja Ruthardt (three years), Karen Watt (one year), and Ted Wright (six months).

“I’ve been here two years, and I’ve found the board extremely good at making decisions that are in the best interest of the district,” Hedley ISD superintendent Eric Hough said. “They are very supportive, and I am pleased with their performance.”

HISD school board president Bonnie Brown described their board as a “good group of people.”

“We are all committed to seeing that Hedley ISD is the best it can be,” Brown said. “I respect everyone on the board; and even though we have different views at times, we work well together.”

Both boards are thankful for the appreciation shown to them throughout this month.

“We appreciate everything that’s been done for us because we don’t get paid to serve on the board,” Hardin said. “It’s been very nice having an appreciation month.”