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 San Juan Island School District are entrusted by this community with responsibility for an annual budget of $13 million, 780 students, and 125 employees in 4 schools.

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 with school district staff their governance and advocacy are building an educational future for our students.

This January, we’re encouraging all members of the community to thank a 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. As a crucial bridge between the local community and the school district, their efforts are instrumental in helping all of us realize the hopes and dreams we have for the children of our community.

The men and women serving the San Juan Island School District are:

Barbara Bevens, Chair (Board member since 2017)

Sarah Werling Sandwith, Vice Chair (Board member since 2017)

TJ Heller (Board Member since 2018)

John Kurtz (Board Member since 2015)

Brian Moore (Board member since 2019)

For contact information for your San Juan Island School District School Board, visit www.sjisd.wednet.edu/domain/331

Fred Woods

Superintendent, San Juan Island School District