School boards play an important role in our communities, but one that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves.
So first, a big thank you to everyone across northern Michigan who stepped forward to run for their local school board this year. Public service matters.
Our public schools anchor our communities. They educate our kids, support families, bring neighbors together and help shape the future of the places we call home.
I appreciated this 9&10 News story on the role school boards play, including comments from our superintendent, Dr. John VanWagoner, on community engagement and our responsibility to represent the communities we serve.
That’s a part of the job I think about a lot. School boards have core governance responsibilities, from setting priorities and overseeing public resources to holding the superintendent accountable for progress toward district goals.
But I also believe part of our responsibility is making it easier for our community to engage with its public schools and the people entrusted with governing them.
That means listening, asking good questions, sharing information and making sure community perspectives have opportunities to inform our discussions and decisions.
And it means remembering that our public schools belong to all of us, whether we currently have children attending them or not.
So here’s my standing invitation. I’m always happy to meet for coffee, talk on the phone or simply listen to what’s on your mind about our schools. You don’t have to wait for a board meeting or public comment opportunity to reach out.
I also encourage everyone to subscribe to TCAPS Board and committee meeting agendas. It’s a simple way to stay informed about what we’re discussing, the decisions ahead and opportunities to participate.
Finally, congratulations to everyone elected to serve on school boards across northern Michigan yesterday.
And a special welcome to Diane Arnold, our newest member of the TCAPS governance team. Looking forward to learning and working together, Diane.
Read the 9&10 News story: https://bit.ly/4kwdB1U
* Subscribe to TCAPS Board and committee agendas: https://bit.ly/4su3KKp
☕ Want to talk? Reach out anytime: https://tyschmidt.net/connect/
📸 9&10 News graphic, “The critical role school boards play in Northern Michigan communities,” by Nicole Service
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