As Kosciusko School Board member Jenny Jones leaves the board after five years, we asked her to reflect on her experience with a short Q&A.
Was serving on the board what you expected? How?
I am really not sure what I expected. I found the training provided through the Miss. School Board Association invaluable to define the role of a good board and board members.
What was the biggest challenge for you serving in this role?
As with any school board, making sure that the best decisions for the students is always the primary focus.
What were the biggest challenges faced by the district and board during your term and how were they addressed by the board and by you specifically?
Changes in the superintendent position was by far the biggest challenge! This board is a collective unit and makes all decisions together as a board.
Are there any things you did not get a chance to address during your term that you wish you had?
Individual board members do not address issues. The board’s job is basically oversight responsibility for the management of the school system. This is accomplished through empowering the superintendent to run the school according to the policies and procedures set by the board.
What do you think you uniquely brought to the board?
I hope that my experience as an educator brought another perspective to the board’s work.
What has changed the most about the board and/or the district during the five years you served?
There have been too many changes to list them all. The school district is an ever-evolving entity.
What do you think are the near-future challenges for the district going forward? And what are the long-term challenges?
As always, the challenge is doing more with less! School districts have to be creative with budgeting and finances to be able to accomplish the mission of providing a quality education for each and every student.
In addition, the schools cannot do it all by themselves. They need the support of parents at home with providing homework support, encouraging attendance and participating in the schools.
What did you learn about the district as a board member that the general population may not know about the district?
How complicated state accountability scores are! It is quite interesting to see what is actually being measured and how. In addition, it all changes frequently.
What will you miss about serving on the board and what will you NOT miss about serving on the board?
The comradery of the board and district leadership.
What is your advice to your fellow board members going forward?
Continue to be an advocate for the children in our community!
