Cumberland County Public Schools joined 132 other school divisions throughout the state to celebrate School Board Appreciation Month in February. Almost 850 elected and appointed school board members throughout Virginia were recognized by schools and communities for their service and dedication to public education.

The theme of this year’s celebration, “Advancing Opportunities for All,” reflects the top priority of local school board members as they advocate for public education with local, state, and federal leaders on behalf of all students.

School board members have the task of approving and enforcing school policies and make difficult decisions on issues that impact the entire division. They are also responsible for approving an annual budget that provides for the needs of all county students.

In recognition of School Board Appreciation Month, members of the Cumberland School Board were given a reception prior to the February School Board meeting and were presented with gifts from each of the schools in the division.

Cumberland County School Board members include:

• Ms. Ginger Sanderson, Chairman, District 1

• Mr. Lee Dowdy, III, Member, District 2

• Mrs. Eurika Tyree, Vice Chairman, District 3

• Mr. George Reid, Jr., Member, District 4

• Dr. Christine Ross, Member, District 5

School Board Student Liaisons were also recognized for their service. Caylor Scales and Brandon White received nameplates made by the carpentry students.

Feb. 19-23 was also designated by Gov. Ralph Northam as School Board Clerk Appreciation Week. School Board Clerk Elizabeth Jamerson and Deputy Clerk Chip Jones were presented with certificates of appreciation by Chairman Ginger Sanderson. Both received drawings of the school complex made by students enrolled in art classes.