Reynoldsburg City Schools celebrated its board members for their “out-of-this-world commitment” to the district’s students during their January meeting. Elementary school students created thank-you notes for the board members, and Reynoldsburg Mayor Joe Begeny was on hand to read a proclamation recognizing the board. Certificates of appreciation were given to each board member, and the celebration was capped off with a special vocal performance by the Reynoldsburg High School Chamber Singers.

Similar events to celebrate the work of school board members were held throughout Ohio as part of School Board Recognition Month. Each January, school districts, career centers and educational service centers honor the contributions of their school board members through celebrations at board meetings, articles in newsletters and local papers, and social media posts. OSBA provided personalized recognition certificates for each board member; an online resource kit, including a proclamation by Gov. Mike DeWine declaring January as School Board Recognition Month; and a poster of the 2024 theme, “Launching our next generation.” Districts submitted information and photos about their activities, and OSBA gathered information from articles written by local news media and school district social media posts.

You can find photos from Reynoldsburg City’s celebration, along with pictures and videos of other school district activities on the right side menu.

Several school districts embraced the theme, creating customized graphics, messaging and more to share on social media to honor their board members. Twinsburg City students thanked board members in a video titled “We appreciate you to the moon and back,” sharing messages such as, “Thank you, board of education, for creating a constellation of success.” The district’s board members also received a portrait of a Tiger astronaut decorated with students’ thumbprints.

In an article submitted to local newspapers, EHOVE Career Center Superintendent Chris McCully recognized board members’ “profound impact” on the career center, noting “their commitment and leadership are invaluable as we navigate both current challenges and exciting future opportunities.”

Westlake City treated board members to a dinner before their board meeting. Student artwork and thank-you cards were used to decorate the table and meeting room. At a later meeting, the board was recognized with a proclamation from city Mayor Dennis Clough. Students interviewed board members for the high school’s student TV news program and board members were featured on social media and in articles for a local newspaper and the district’s newsletters.

Ada EV school board members were honored for their exemplary leadership and invaluable contributions, which have “significantly impacted the strategic direction and overall success” of the district.

Washington Court House City Superintendent Dr. Thomas S. Bailey recognized board members during the January board meeting, presenting each member with a certificate of appreciation. The district shared photographs and biographies of each member on social media throughout January, thanking them for their service to the children of the community.

Dublin City celebrated its board members throughout January by featuring each board member on the district’s social media platforms.

In a press release, Southern Ohio ESC Superintendent Beth Justice recognized the commitment of the ESC’s governing board members, noting that with their leadership, the ESC “remains steadfast” in providing high-quality services. “Our board aims to strengthen our partnerships with member school districts as we focus on innovation, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking as we prepare our students for the future,” she said.

Appreciation signs and messages from across the district decorated the room for the Sylvania City board’s January meeting. Board members were treated to soups and cookies made by students in the Culinary Fundamentals classes at Northview and Southview high schools.

Leetonia EV Superintendent Dennis J. Dunham thanked the district’s school board members for their leadership and their commitment.

“The students in the school certainly benefit from the things you do,” he said. “You spend a lot of time trying to move the district forward, and you’re very successful at it.”

Sebring Local (Mahoning) students and staff created a video that showcased their gratitude for the district’s board of education members. The video, which was posted on the district’s website and social media platforms, included shout-outs from classrooms and personal thank-you messages. A link to the video is posted at www.ohioschoolboards.org/sbrm-recap.

Buckeye Local (Jefferson) school board members were treated to dinner at their January meeting. Superintendent Coy Sudvary thanked them, stating, “It’s a breath of fresh air to have a board that supports the staff, students and administration.”

Fort Frye Local (Washington) Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Starcher presented the district’s board members with notes from students in honor of School Board Recognition Month.

“We just want you guys to know you’re appreciated and that we are thankful for the work you do,” she said.

OSBA President Sally S. Green, Tuscarawas Valley Local (Tuscarawas), was on hand to present recognition certificates to the Big Walnut Local (Delaware) Board of Education. “You are the most important elected officials we have, since you have such an influence on our children’s education,” she said while thanking the board members for their service.

While presenting framed certificates of commendation to the Mid-Ohio ESC (MOESC) Governing Board, Superintendent Kevin Kimmel thanked them for their leadership, saying, “We are very lucky to have a dedicated board of governors that works closely with education professionals and community members to create an educational vision for our client districts and their students.” The board members also received MOESC pullovers.

Pickerington Local (Fairfield) board members received a collection of gifts in honor of their service, including a lantern and candle on a silver charger thanking them for “lighting the way to a brighter future” for the district’s students and staff.

The Van Wert City Board of Education was treated to a video created by students and staff and presented with certificates and gift cards.

Steubenville City’s East Garfield Elementary School treated the board to a breakfast provided by the cafeteria staff. A student from each class was selected to have breakfast with the board to share activities at the school.

During the board’s January meeting, Salem City Superintendent Sean Kirkland presented board members with framed certificates and thanked them for their support of the district, staff and administration, noting that much is happening in the district and “that doesn’t come without the support that we have.”

The Marietta Education Association provided cookies to honor the Marietta City Board of Education. Board members also received recognition certificates.

Other districts that recognized their school boards at board meetings or on social media include Benjamin Logan Local (Logan), Berea City, Brookfield Local (Trumbull), Butler County ESC, Cardinal Local (Geauga), Carrollton EV, Champion Local (Trumbull), Chardon Local (Geauga), Clayton City, Clyde-Green Springs EV, Copley-Fairlawn City, Cory-Rawson Local (Hancock), Coventry Local (Summit), Crestview Local (Van Wert), Darke County ESC, Findlay City, Grand Valley Local (Ashtabula), Granville EV, Heath City, Hillsboro City, Indian Lake Local (Logan), Kings Local (Warren), Lake Local (Stark), Lakewood City, Lincolnview Local (Van Wert), Lowellville Local (Mahoning), Monroeville Local (Huron), Montgomery County ESC, New Riegel Local (Seneca), North Royalton City, Oberlin City, Ohio Valley ESC, Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center, Princeton City, Ravenna City, Ridgemont Local (Hardin), Ross Local (Butler), Ross-Pike ESC, Sidney City, Struthers City, Trumbull County ESC, Tuscarawas Valley Local (Tuscarawas), Vantage Career Center, Weathersfield Local (Trumbull), Williard City, Woodridge Local (Summit), Yellow Springs EV and Zanesville City.