March 2, 2006- For Immediate Release
Columbia County Schools - 6430 Pollards Pond Road, Appling, GA 30802
For more information contact 541-0650

Special Week Honors Georgia’s School Boards

Elected Boards of Education: The Educational Voice and Vision of the Community

The Columbia County School System is joining in a statewide celebration to salute the efforts of local school board members. The week of March 13-17, 2006, has been proclaimed School Board Appreciation Week in Georgia. The weeklong observance calls attention to the contributions of local boards of education.

“Citizens elect board members to represent the community’s voice on education matters and to set the vision for the school district,” said Tommy Price, Superintendent of Schools. “Our board spends countless hours fulfilling its responsibilities and this is our opportunity to say a thank you as a community for their public service. Because they are elected officials, they represent a continuing commitment to local citizen control and decision-making in education,” said Price.

The men and women serving our school district and their years of service are:

Mr. Wayne Bridges, District 2 – since 1/1/2001

Chairman 2006, Vice-Chairman 2005; Chairman in 2003 & 2002

Ms. Roxanne Whitaker, District 4 – since 1/1/1997

Chairman 2004 & 2001; Vice Chairman 2006, 2000 & 1999

Ms. Mickey Blackburn, District 3 – since 1/1/1999

Vice-Chairman 2004, 2003, & 2002

Ms. Regina Buccafusco, District 1 – since 1/1/1999 (*)

Chairman 2005, Vice-Chairman 2001

Mr. Mike Sleeper, District 5 – since 1/1/2005

As constitutional officers of Georgia, school board members are responsible for setting educational policies, employing school personnel, providing buildings and equipment, operating a transportation system and disbursing school funds. As community leaders, school board members serve as advocates for the children in local public schools and must study, evaluate and decide what actions are in the best interest of those students.

The Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) sponsors the celebration. The mission of GSBA is to ensure excellence in the governance of local school systems by providing leadership, advocacy and services, and by representing the collective resolve of Georgia’s 180 boards of education. Please visit www.gsba.com for more information.

(*) The Columbia County School Board Districts will be redrawn later this year to four school districts, eliminating District 1 and creating a county-wide elected Board Chairman. Board members are elected to four-year terms.

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