This week our district joins others across the state to mark School Board Appreciation Week Oct. 17-21. Our board is a group of seven citizen-leaders who contribute their expertise to guide the Amherst Central School District community toward its goals. The seven men and women that comprise the Board of Education for the Amherst Central School District face complex and demanding challenges. These citizen-leaders proudly take on responsibilities that entail an endless string of meetings and school functions to attend; reams of reports, agendas, proposals and other information to read and study; and a host of difficult decisions to make. They offer their time and talents to take on one of the most important responsibilities in our community: overseeing the education of our youth.

They are true champions which reflects their mission to develop policies and strongly advocate for continuous improvement in student learning. Our board members bear responsibility for an annual budget of $68.3 million, 2,996 students, 500 employees and our educational complex. They do so much and deserve recognition for their dedication and hard work. Please join me to honor and thank the Amherst Central School District Board of Education -  President Paul Steimle, Vice President Jeanne Ernst, and Trustees Lynn Errington, Lorry Goldhawk, Jessica McLaughlin, Mark Smith and Dominic Vivolo.

Throughout the year, let them know you appreciate the role they play in creating the high-quality educational environment for the students at Amherst Central School District.