January is School Board Recognition Month, and school districts across the state are honoring and thanking the service of their school board members.

“Volunteer school board members serve countless hours working to improve public education,” South Routt Superintendent Kelly L. Reed said. “School board members have a tremendous responsibility, preparing today’s students — and tomorrow’s leaders — for productive roles in our society,” Reed said.

With school board meetings sometimes lasting more than four hours, the time commitment is reason enough to recognize school board members as being invaluable, said Steamboat Springs School Board Superintendent Donna Howell.

“They devote a tremendous amount of time to ensuring that the district is going well,” she said. “They have a governance role, and it’s a voluntary role.”

She also recognized the pressure and responsibilities that school board members have.

“The reality is every school board has to deal with issues that are controversial,” Howell said. “Our board has been excellent in listening to and gathering information so they can make the best decision for the community and the students.”

Hayden School Board Vice President Jody Camilletti is serving her seventh year on the board and said it has been frustrating because of the lack of money and mandates on education.

“I have gained from being on the board an appreciation for all the work that everyone does … the board members, the students, parents and all the community members involved,” Camilletti said.