CHEBOYGAN- The Cheboygan Area Schools Board of Education were thanked for its service to the school and the community at its meeting Monday night.
“The vision for our district is students first through quality education, stable finances and strong communications. Our agenda reflects that,” said School Board President Marianne Ridings. “So, underneath quality education, January is the School Board Recognition Month.”
Cheboygan Area Schools Superintendent Troy Reehl presented each of the seven school board members with a certificate of appreciation for their service to the community.
“School board members do amazing things,” he said. “A lot of tough conversations, a lot of tough decisions to make. The good years seem to go smooth. It's those tough years when you have to make those tough decisions and we have to place those students first. We have to look at being fiscally responsible.”
With all of that said, the school appreciates all of the time and the energy put in by the board members to make a difference for the students who attend Cheboygan Area Schools. They show a dedication to the school district, its staff and the students by being willing to serve on the board.
Reehl thanked all of the board members as well for being willing to give their time to be on the board.
“We couldn't do our job without you,” said Reehl.
There are many times that school board members are the first people that the parents and the public come to when they have questions or concerns about things happening at the school and events taking place. Many times, these interactions are not pleasant and it can be tough to be a board member. It takes a special person to sit on that type of a board.
Ridings stated Reehl knows she does not like any kind of appreciation or recognition of any nature, but she wanted to make sure the board members knew they were appreciated for all of their time.
“So thank you all for being willing to serve,” she said.
Also at the meeting, the school board members elected its officers for the 2018 calendar year. Ridings was reelected as the board president.
“Thank you all. It's been an honor to be here. I greatly appreciate all of you, all of the time, not just in board member appreciation month, it is this month,” said Ridings. “So, thank you.”
Ron Crandell was nominated and elected as board vice-president, Jenny Hayden was nominated for secretary, but turned down the nomination for another position. Roger Cronk was nominated and elected as board secretary and Hayden was nominated and elected as board treasurer.
“Thank you very much for those willing to serve in the officer positions,” said Ridings.
In other matters at the meeting, the board accepted the recommendation of Dr. Ackerman in regards to the granting of second year probation to high school teacher Ashley Knaffle.
“Typically what you do is on the anniversary month of the staff member that was hired, that's when they start their second year,” said Reehl. “So that's why we're bringing that to you.”
The board voted unanimously to approve the second year of probation for her.