Pattonville’s Board of Education has one overriding philosophy in leading the Pattonville School District - doing what’s best for the community’s children. On Feb. 10, several of those children took part in a ceremony designed to thank the board for its tireless volunteer efforts on behalf of Pattonville students and the community. To see a gallery of photos from the event, click here. -Read-More- The students took part in School Board Recognition Week activities by presenting their works of art to board members. They were accompanied by their art teachers and principals in presenting gifts the board members could keep and/or hang in the board room. Each year, the state of Missouri sets aside a week in late January to recognize the dedicated energies and countless hours devoted by a group of more than 3,600 men and women who serve on school boards throughout the state. These public servants are elected by local constituents and do not receive compensation for their tireless efforts. Weather in January forced Pattonville to move its recognition activities to Feb. 10. Honored during Pattonville ceremonies were: Ruth Petrov, president, Cindy Candler, vice president, Robert Dillon, secretary, Pat Bryant, treasurer, Ron Kuschel, director, Patty Polster, director, and Ralph Stahlhut, director. During the ceremonies, Dr. Michael Fulton, superintendent, also made two presentations. He presented the board with an award it received from the Missouri School Boards Association for being one of five finalists in the state in 2008 for MSBA’s Outstanding Board of Education Award. The Pattonville school board is a previous recipient of the state award, having earned the honor in 2002. This school year marked the first time the board was eligible to proceed in the awards program because of its status as a previous winner, even though it met all other eligibility criteria in previous years. Fulton also presented the board with a proclamation signed by Missouri senators John Loudon, Rita Heard-Days and Joan Bray for its progress toward closing the achievement gap between black and white students. School Board Recognition Week is sponsored by the MSBA, a private, not-for-profit organization that exists to help school boards succeed. The goal is to build awareness and understanding of the important function an elected board of education plays in communities and schools. -End-