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 its newest member, Michelle Valentine Foxx, who joined the board in October.
“With all the challenges facing public schools today, the Marion School District is blessed to be led by an incredible group of community leaders,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, Marion superintendent. “It is truly an honor to work with such thoughtful, conscientious, and visionary board members, who are each committed to improving our school district and ensuring the children in our community have access to outstanding schools.”
Last year, the Marion School Board was nominated for the Board of Excellence in School Leadership Award, presented by the Arkansas School Board Association. The nomination was based on the board’s extensive work over the past several years, which has included the establishment of its three magnet elementary schools, upgraded school facilities, key staff additions, rising test scores, support for outstanding extracurriculars, and more. Board members also 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.
Details on the board’s award nomination and extensive accomplishments can be found here: School Board of Excellence.
As a result of their dedication, Marion School Board members have received numerous recognitions, including the following:
Jeffrey Richardson (board president)
ASBA School Board Service Award (30+ years of service)
ASBA President’s Award
Platinum Award (for hundreds of hours of board training)
ASBA Pinnacle Award
Master Board Member
Outstanding Board Member
Daryel Jackson (board vice president)
ASBA Pinnacle Award
Master Board Member
Outstanding Board Member
Gary Wehrum (board secretary)
Master Board Member
Outstanding Board Member
Rob Rash
Master Board Member
Outstanding Board Member
Eddie Minton
Master Board Member
Outstanding Board Member
Jerri Crase
Certificate of Board Membership
“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.”
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.