Photo credit: Atchison's USD 409
(KAIR)--As January winds down to a close, so too does the month-long annual celebration of School Board Appreciation Month, a time each year to recognize those elected to the role of educational leadership.
Through the month, the Atchison Public Schools of USD 409 has recognized the individual members of the Board of Education, highlighting them and why they chose to serve on the school board.
Included as the final salute of the month is Doug Tschauder, elected to the board in November. In his statement regarding his reason for leadership, Tschauder says he ran for the seat "for the students," adding that "as a parent of a current student and recent graduate," he finds it "important...that all students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for future successes."
Another November electee, retired, longtime teach Kathy Hines, is highlighted, saying that after serving district students in the classroom "for many decades," she wants to contribute to their education, saying that serving on the school board, she "will have the ability to see that [USD 409] is the best it can be academically, for our students and staff."
Janet Smith, who won her seat as the second top vote getter in the November race, next to Hines, is also recognized. She says her reason to serve is to work "with a group of elected members of the community who are committed to making decisions that will give all [district] students the tools to be successful as adults.
Smith, Hines, and Tschauder were sworn into their roles of leadership, taking the Oath of Office during the school board's January 12 meeting.
The School Board's other members, Brandi Ross, Carrie Sowers, Stefanie Gardner, and Sally Berger are also recognized for their service.
Ross says she serves "to be a voice for students who are often overlooked," while Sowers says she chose board membership because she believes "in the power of education to transform lives and communities." Berger, in her statement, said that while she is no longer a classroom teacher, she wasn’t ready to leave education entirely, while Gardner said it’s important to her “to advocate for the needs of all children” in the school district.
