Decorah School Board Members and Superintendent strive for excellence

The Iowa Association of School Boards recognizes that learning and leadership on the part of school board members makes a difference at the board table and for students.

At IASB's 66th Annual Convention on Nov. 17, 2011, Decorah school board members, Melanie Tietz (Pres.), Ronald Fadness (VP), Ramona Nelson, Brian Petersburg and Richard Valley, as well as superintendent, Michael Haluska were honored for making that difference. Through IASB's Better Boardsmanship Awards Program, these individuals received Award of Achievement certificates. The board as a whole also took home a Better Boardsmanship plaque. These awards recognize board members and superintendents who put forth extra time and energy to strengthen their boardsmanship abilities through formal in-service programs, workshops and other commitments like advocating with legislators or serving on statewide committees or boards.

IASB board president Russ Wiesley commended the Decorah board members and superintendent for their hard work. "Each individual in this select group of board members takes extra steps to make sure they are informed and capable as they strive to improve outcomes for students," Wiesley said.

About 85 school board members, 11 superintendents and 7 whole boards were recipients of these acclaimed awards.

IASB is a private, nonprofit organization representing the students from all 351 Iowa public school districts, nine area education agencies and 15 community colleges.

photo: Decorah board members (Back L-R) Mike Haluska (superintendent), Richard Valley, Brian Petersburg, John Hjelle (Front L-R) Melanie Tietz and Ronald Fadness were presented with a Better Boardsmanship plaque on Nov. 17, 2011, at the 66thAnnual Iowa Association of School Boards Convention.