Licking R-VIII School Board honored
Photo submitted
Licking R-VIII School District Board of Education members were recognized for their dedicated service at their Monday, January 10, regular meeting. Front row, from left: Rawly Gorman (Vice President), 10 years of service; Debbie Cook, two years of service; Roy Kinder (President), 18 years of service; (back row, from left) Jason Derrickson (Secretary), 12 years of service; Colton Lewis, two years of service; Alan Quick, five years of service; Jeremy Rinne, four years of service.
By Supt. Cristina Wright
Each year during the month of January, Licking R-VIII School District, along with school districts across the state honor the countless contributions of these locally elected advocates for Missouri schoolchildren and public schools.
Licking R-VIII School District’s School Board Members serve in one of the most important roles in our society – helping plan for and protect the education of the children of our community. Decisions of these seven members affect the lives of students and their parents, the livelihoods of those the district employs and the economic well-being of the community.
In the state of Missouri, approximately 899,000 students are enrolled in 567 school districts. Unlike school board members in many other states, Missouri school board members receive no compensation for their service, receiving only the satisfaction that comes from shaping the future of our community. Our district benefits from the financial donations, tireless work and countless hours contributed by these local citizens. Serving as a crucial link between the community and classroom, our Board is responsible for an annual budget of $9.8 million, 818 students, 131 employees, and all of our facilities on campus.
It’s more important than ever before that our community supports public education so that today’s students are prepared to be productive citizens and the leaders of tomorrow. Please share your appreciation for our local school board members for their selfless service and volunteerism.
Good afternoon-
It’s hard to fully state how proud I am to see some of my former students serving the Licking R-8 Public Schools as board members.
It makes me feel that perhaps those long hours spent in high school English class all those years ago just might have been productive after all.
I appreciate the service these former students provide to the Licking Schools.
Ed Mashburn (Mr. Ed)