Recognize school board members for their service

By proclamation of the governor, January is School Board Recognition Month. It’s a great time to recognize our elected community members who selflessly give their time and energy in support of high-quality public schooling for our youth. School board members in Nespelem School District are entrusted by this community with responsibility to develop the school district’s educational program and set the course for the school district. All of this is done within the context or racial, ethnic and religious diversity and with a commitment to education excellence and equity for all students.

School boards are charged with making decisions that can sometimes be quite difficult, or require sifting through a great deal of information. They also bear responsibility for developing a vision that will guide the school district for years to come. Through collaboration as a team, and with school district staff, their governance and advocacy are building the future of education in Washington state. We thank our Nespelem parents, staff, and students in submitting information to help the Nespelem school board formulate its strategic plan.

Our Nespelem School Board members and their continuous years of service are:

P. Jolene Marchand, Chair — 12 years

Stephanie “Pete” Palmer, Vice-Chair — 2 years

Anna Vargas, Legislative Representative — 3 years

Annette Moses — 25 years

Nancy Armstrong-Montes — 7 years.

There are over a dozen public school districts on or near the Colville Reservation. This January, we’re encouraging all members of the community and our Colville Tribe to thank a school board member. Please thank them for volunteering their time and playing a critical civic role that helps form the bedrock of our democracy—public education. Board member efforts are instrumental in helping all of us realize the hopes and dreams we have for the children in each of our communities.

Dr. Mary S. Hall,

Superintendent

Nespelem School District