February is School Board Appreciation Month in Virginia, and Charlotte County School Board members will be honored at an upcoming board meeting for their dedication and service.

According to a press release from Charlotte County Public Schools (CCPS), “Charlotte County Public Schools will join 132 other school divisions throughout the state to celebrate School Board Appreciation Month in February. Almost 850 elected and appointed school board members throughout Virginia will be recognized by schools and communities for their service and dedication to public education.”

This year, the theme for the month will be “Turning visions into results.”

Last February, a resolution was adopted by Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe declaring February as School Board Appreciation Month.

The resolution stated that February is an opportunity to recognize the support given to the public school systems in the state by their respective school boards.

“The foundation of school leadership is ensuring equal learning opportunities for all students,” said Division Superintendent Nancy Leonard. “We’re proud of our division, and School Board Appreciation Month is the time to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our elected trustees.”

The release said county school board members are responsible for an annual budget of $24 million, in addition to 1,900 students and 310 employees.

“School board members statewide make decisions that affect 1.3 million Virginia children and more than $3 billion,” notes Leonard, “They preserve the core of our democracy — public education.”

According to the release, school board members are often tasked with the duty of making difficult decisions regarding educational and social issues, which have an impact on the entire community as a whole.

Bill Kidd, the Virginia School Board Association President, said, “Every single school board member is united in our firm commitment for great public schools. This February, say thank you to your local school board members and let them know that you value their hard work.”