January is School Board Recognition Month, and the administration, faculty and staff of USD 428 made a point of doing just that at Monday night’s school board meeting.  Each board member received a gift of a pie.
“Sometimes we make light of this, but it goes without saying that many patrons in our community do not realize that this is an all volunteer board,” Superintendent Tom Vernon said.  “There is a lot of work and a lot of stress involved, and we appreciate your service.”
Four board members, Wade Babcock, Kevin Mauler, Cheryl Rugan and Dwight Young, completed the Kansas Association of School Board’s 2011-2012 Boardsmanship Acadmy, receiving 25 points or more determined by the seminars’ length and content.  Superintendent Tom Vernon offered his congratulations and his gratitude for their service, awarding each with a certificate of appreciation.
Two USD 428 schools received Challenge Awards from the Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force.  The 6th grade math at Eisenhower Elementary School and the 5th grade reading at Jefferson Elementary school were honored with he awards representing outstanding achievement and uncommon accomplishment based on 2012 Kansas Assessments.  Factors like sample size, ethnicity, and socio-economic status are taken into consideration.  

Officer Davis receives a R.O.S.E.
In the Board of Education’s continuing efforts to recognize individuals or groups for their services to the school district, the R.O.S.E. (Recognizing Outstanding Support of Education) Award was created.  The recipient of this month’s R.O.S.E. award is Officer Jefferson Davis.

“Great Bend Police Officer Davis is a tremendous asset to USD 428,” board president Dwight Young said. “ He routinely goes beyond the call of duty to ensure that all students and staff are safe.”

He went on to say,” Officer Davis builds positive student relationships that extend beyond the DARE program.  He positively impacts students, and he enjoys working with youth.  He effectively builds and maintains a positive relationship with schools to support student learning.  He is an excellent mentor for all students.  USD 428 appreciates having Officer Davis as a team member.”

Both Officer Davis and Chief of Police Dean Aikings were in attendance to be recognized with the award.