Crenshaw County Public Schools will join school systems throughout the state to salute their local education leaders during Alabama's 14th annual School Board Member Recognition Month in January.

The commemorative month is designed to recognize the contributions made by Alabama's more than 850 local school board members, including the members of the Crenshaw County Board of Education, who are charged with governing public education under state law.

Alabama school board members are chosen by their communities through election or appointment.

They oversee multimillion-dollar budgets which fund education programs for more than 743,000 students in over 1,500 schools.

Their personnel decisions affect 48,000 teachers, 3,100 administrators and 45,000 support workers.

These volunteer leaders also are responsible for formulating school system policy, approving curricula, maintaining school facilities, and adhering to state and federal education law.

Legal concerns and the complexities of school finance, including budgeting and taxation, require them to spend many hours in board training programs and personal study to enhance their understanding of these issues.

Our deepest appreciation is extended to the dedicated men and women who make it possible for local citizens to participate in education in our community.

We salute the public servants of the Crenshaw County School System whose commitment and civic responsibility make local control of public schools in our community possible:

Mr. Willie B. Smith, Jr., Chairman

Mr. J. Steven Sanders, Vice-Chairman

Mr. Troy Hudson

Ms. Bertha H. Jones

Mr. Ronald A. Rhodes

Please join us by saying &#8220thanks” to our school board members during Alabama's 14th School Board Member Recognition Month.

Kathi H. Wallace

Superintendent of Crenshaw County Schools