MAGAZINE – The Magazine Schools Board of Education has been recognized for its outstanding leadership of the district, receiving the prestigious Arkansas School Boards Association Excellence in Leadership Award on Friday during the final day of the 70th ASBA Annual Conference at the State House Convention Center and Marriott Hotel in Little Rock.
This award is given to recognize school boards whose work, dedication and ethical service have made a positive impact on the students in their district. Magazine School Board of Education members are Steven Schlinker, president; Alfonso Vasquez, vice president; Wayne Corbitt, secretary; Michael Springer, member; and Brandy Young, member.
“Our community and school district are very blessed to have such a devoted school board that is constantly striving to provide opportunities for our students and support for our staff,” Magazine Schools Superintendent Dr. Beth Shumate said.
“Every year, our board recommits itself to 'doing what is best for student learning.' This makes the board’s core values simple: learning is our fundamental purpose, we are committed to working together in collaborative teams, and we need and should expect results rather than intentions. Every decision our board makes is filtered through that lens. This award proves what I and the staff already knew. The Magazine School Board is the best in the state of Arkansas.”
Districts were selected based on evidence from each of the following eight (8) criteria: 1). Focuses on and demonstrates support for educational performance; 2). Supports educational improvement projects and school transformation initiatives; 3). Demonstrates commitment to a code of ethics; 4). Maintains harmonious and supportive relationships among members of the board and with the superintendent; 5). Functions as a policy-making body with adherence to adopted policies; 6). Provides oversite for district finances and budget that supports continuous improvement; 7). Participates in ASBA workshops and performance improvement programs; and 8). Supports and participates in public relations efforts, including community awareness.
Two awards were presented – one for school districts with an enrollment below 900 students and one for school districts with an enrollment above 900 students. Each award was based on a board’s performance over the school year immediately before the year in which the award is granted.
