January is School Board Recognition Month in Arkansas, and the Marion School District is taking time to show appreciation for its board members.
The seven members of the Marion School District Board of Directors are Jeffrey Richardson (president), Daryel Jackson (vice president), Gary Wehrum (secretary), Jerri Crase, Eddie Minton, Rob Rash, and Bartt Vaughn.
“This is truly an incredible group of community leaders,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, Marion superintendent. “With all the challenges facing public schools today, the Marion School District is blessed to be led by such thoughtful, conscientious, and visionary board members. These individuals are committed to improving our school district and ensuring the children in our community have access to outstanding schools.”
Fenter also credited the stability of the local school board for the improvements the district has made over the past several years, including the establishment of its three magnet elementary schools, upgraded school facilities, key staff additions, rising test scores, support for outstanding extracurriculars, and more. He also noted that board members played a key role in the passage of the millage project in 2019 and provided crucial support as the district navigated the Covid-19 crisis.
As a result of their dedication, Marion School Board members have received numerous recognitions. Last year, School Board President Jeffrey Richardson received the coveted ASBA School Board Service Award, an award presented to Arkansas school board members with 30 or more years of service. Richardson has also been recognized with the ASBA President’s Award and the Platinum Award for the hundreds of hours of school board training he has received.
Other recognitions for Marion board members include the ASBA Pinnacle Award, which has been earned by both Richardson and Jackson. Additionally, Richardson, Jackson, Wehrum, Rash, and Minton have all earned both Master Board Member and Outstanding Board Member awards, and Crase has earned a Certificate of Boardsmanship.
“To have quality schools, you have to have quality leadership with quality vision,” Fenter said. “And this is what our board provides. They know our community, and they know the impact high-quality public schools can have on a community.”
As publicly elected school leaders, Marion school board members are empowered by state law to set policy for the district, hire and evaluate the superintendent, oversee district finances, approve the budget, and determine the vision and mission of the district. They are also required to earn a minimum of six hours of professional development each year in areas related to their roles and responsibilities.
The Marion School District is an innovative and growing district committed to helping every student find their unique path to success in school and in life. With more than 150 years of experience serving families in Crittenden County, the district offers a high school, a junior high, a seventh grade school, and three award-winning magnet schools. For enrollment information, including information on school choice, visit https://www.msd3.org/ or call 870-739-5100.