Gov. Sam Brownback and Hays USD 489 would like the community to thank a school board member this  month.

Brownback has officially proclaimed the month of January as School Board Recognition month.

“Board members contribute thousands of hours each year leading the school district.  The time spent at a board meeting and making tough decisions is just a fraction of the time they dedicate to assuring Hays students are receiving the best education possible,” Hays Superintendent Dean Katt said in a press release. “The time spent reviewing agendas, reading a mountain of material to keep up with the latest treads in education, attending workshops, and being deeply involved in the community is what drives our board members to lead so students achieve. We are very privileged to have seven individuals volunteer their service to assure Hays students succeed.”

The men and women serving USD 489 and their years of service are: Greg Schwartz (2013-14 president) 10 years; Darren Schumacher (2013-14 vice president) six years; James Leiker, two years; Marty Patterson, two years; Lance Bickle, one year; Danielle Lang, one year; and Josh Waddell, one year.