The Effingham County School System is joining in a statewide celebration this week to salute the efforts of local school board members. The week of March 12-16 has been proclaimed School Board Appreciation Week in Georgia. The weeklong observance calls attention to the contributions of local boards of education.

"School board members do not serve for the money or the prestige. They serve to provide and continually improve education for students in Effingham County," said Superintendent Randy Shearouse. "Our board spends countless hours fulfilling its responsibilities and working together to continually improve our education system."

The dedicated members serving the school district and their years of service are:

Board Chair F. Lamar Allen – 8 years of service

Vice Chair Troy K. Alford – 8 years of service

Vickie Decker – 3 1/2 years of service

Mose Mock – 1 year of service

Eddie Tomberlin – 5 years of service

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.