Edmunds County Tribune -

The Ipswich School District will join districts across the state to thank school board members for their leadership and service to our local school district and community during South Dakota School Board Recognition Week from February 15-19.

“It is our hope, that we all recognize the unique roles that school boards play in promoting and advocating for quality education,” said Superintendent Trent Osborne. The board members serve as advisers, decision-makers, problem solvers, and advocates of the Ipswich Public School District. They are elected by the community stakeholders and represent their voice and vision for their public schools.

“It’s more important than ever before that the public supports public education so that today’s students are prepared to be productive citizens and the leaders of tomorrow,” Osborne said. “Please take a moment and tell school board members ‘thanks for caring about our children and giving so much to our community.’ Let them know we support them and that their dedicated service is recognized and truly appreciated,” he said.

The men and women serving Ipswich Public School District are Chairman Todd Hettich (since 2017), Vice-Chair Carol Pond (since 2011), Kathy Bauer (since 2016), Justin Davis (since 2010), and Tadd Thorson (since 2018). The board is responsible for setting the vision of and goals for the district and strives to provide a quality education for our students. The school board also hires quality educators, adopts policies, and evaluates progress while always keeping the best interests of our students in mind.

“As elected leaders, school board members serve as the link between the school and community members,” Osborne said. “They work tirelessly for our students, staff, and community.” During this week of recognition, the staff and students of the Ipswich Public School District ask you to show your appreciation, to these board members, for their service. Thank them for advocating on behalf of the district’s best interests and making difficult decisions. Osborne asks local residents to show their gratitude in some way for their time, effort, and dedication to making the Ipswich Public School District a place where we can “Dare to Dream it…and Work to Achieve it.”