January is School Board Recognition Month and Cherokee ISD is celebrating its trustees for their dedication and commitment to the district and its students. The theme of this year’s School Board Recognition Month is Locally Elected, Community Connected, which highlights the connection between school trustees and their communities. School board members are the largest group of locallyelected officials in the state. “Our board members are vital. Their dedication, vision, and commitment shape the future of our schools and students,” Superintendent, Jennifer Bordner said. Dan Troxell, executive director of the Texas Association of School Boards, applauded the efforts of volunteer trustees in providing leadership and good governance so that school districts can focus on educating the 5.4 million public schoolchildren in their care. “Texas school boards are so important because they bring a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of their local communities to their role,” Troxell said. “Boards lead their districts by providing oversight, setting goals, overseeing the budget, and selecting and evaluating the superintendent. These volunteers serve for the betterment of their communities.” Board members serving Cherokee ISD are: President, Tommy Morrison, Vice President, Rodney Johnson, Secretary, Valerie Valdez, Members, Anne Brownlee, Kayla Forehand, Brandon Shanklin and Travis Shannon.