School Board Members Show Commitment

It is rare for all members of a local school board to earn the prestigious New York State School Board Association’s Master of Boardsmanship Award. All seven of your Rush-Henrietta school board members have achieved this recognition.

Trustee Phyllis Wickerham recently received her Master of Boardsmanship Award. By earning this award, Wickerham, who was elected by the Rush-Henrietta community in 2007, demonstrated her desire to be informed about the issues and better understand her responsibilities as a community servant, and continued to demonstrate the seriousness with which she takes her important volunteer position.

Each member of the Rush-Henrietta Board of Education has shown a similar commitment to our community. They all have earned the Master of Boardsmanship Award, which is the highest honor bestowed by the New York State School Board Association’s Leadership Development Recognition Program. To qualify for the recognition, a board member must participate in numerous professional development events and activities. This work includes completing eight School Board Institute courses, which cover important topics such as “Defining Team Roles and Responsibilities,” “Community Collaboration for Student Achievement,” and “Establishing Accountability, Assessment, and Continuous Improvement.” These courses provide intense training that helps a school board member serve in the most effective way possible.

The Master of Boardsmanship Award recognizes the extensive commitment of time and effort put forth by board members intent on expanding their knowledge of education and skill in the governing of a school district. Phyllis Wickerham is one of only 22 school board members statewide to receive the Master of Boardsmanship Award this year.

At the end of this school year, the collective service of the seven members of the Rush-Henrietta Board of Education will exceed 50 years. Rush-Henrietta district is fortunate to have an experienced, talented, and devoted school board. The fact that each member earned the Master of Boardsmanship Award is a testament to the seriousness with which they take their jobs. Please join us in congratulating them!

The Board of Education is comprised of seven community members elected to serve unpaid, three-year terms. The board members are Edward A. Lincoln, president; Diane E. McBride, vice president; Susan E. Banker; Pamela J. Reinhardt; Sue A. Smith; William B. Stroud; and Phyllis P. Wickerham.