WHEREAS, the mission of Washington’s public school system is to assure that all students achieve at high levels and possess the knowledge and skills to be responsible citizens and enjoy productive and satisfying lives; and

WHEREAS, Washington’s 295 locally elected school boards are the heart and soul of the public education governance system in our state; and

WHEREAS, the districts they lead serve more than one million students, have a combined annual budget of $6 billion and employ nearly 100,000 people; and

WHEREAS, school directors play a crucial role in promoting student learning and achievement by creating a vision, establishing policies and budgets, and setting clear standards of accountability for all involved; and

WHEREAS, school directors are directly accountable to the citizens in their districts, serving as a vital link between members of the community and their schools; and

WHEREAS, school directors provide a passionate voice of advocacy for public schools and the welfare of school children; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize school directors as outstanding volunteers and champions for public education;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Christine O. Gregoire, Governor of the state of Washington, do hereby proclaim January 2008 as

in Washington State, and I urge all citizens to join me in this special observance.

Governor Christine O. Gregoire