Joining Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit, the Grain Valley Board of Education has been recognized as the best in the state.
“We’re honored and humbled to have been chosen as the Outstanding Board of Education by the Missouri School Boards Association,” said board president Michael Hackett. “It leaves us with a bit of a sense of awe to be recognized at the state level in this way.”
The board was announced as the 2009 winner at the annual MSBA conference Oct. 24. Grain Valley was selected by a committee of school board members from throughout the state of Missouri. MSBA is the state organization that helps public school districts through leadership, board of education training and advocacy. The organization also provides services and programs that are designed to help school districts use their resources effectively and efficiently.
The Blue Springs Board of Education received the award in 2005, and the Lee’s Summit Board of Education won it in 2006.
“I believe we were chosen because of the outstanding work that our faculty and staff have done to improve our student achievement,” Hackett said on receiving the award. “From the transportation staff, to food service, to operations, administration and every single one of our teachers, they are what truly make the difference in how outstanding our district as a whole has become. No matter how hard we as a board work, if we don’t have people who believe in the vision we have, we’ll never get off the ground.”
School boards were considered for the award based on the level of student achievement in their districts, the improvement of student achievement in their districts and the commitment of school board members to their own education and training.
In addition, board members must make continuing board development a priority by attending regional, state and national conferences.
Other finalists for the award were Raymore-Peculiar, Smithville, Nixa and Lindbergh.
“Every one of those boards help us to work harder, to be better, to do what’s right and good for the children of the district. We had a good day, when it comes down to it,” Hackett said. “I look forward to the future when deciding who is the Outstanding Board of Education becomes harder and harder and harder still for the selection committee. Every board in the state can and should rise to this occasion, because when our children get an outstanding education, then we’re all Outstanding Boards of Education.”
