Board of Education Chairman Tommy Phelps presided over his final board meeting last Thursday while Paul Leroy, who will be taking his seat in January, looked on.
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School board chairman Tommy Phelps (left) accepts an award from Superintendent Mark Petersen.
Photo by Lisa Kitchens
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Following the meeting, board members and education officials honored Mr. Phelps with an award for his four years of service, and a dinner at the board building.
Board members and visitors individually thanked Mr. Phelps for his service.
Kathryn Collins, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, compared the school board to a ship and said under Mr. Phelps' guidance, the motto was "steady as she goes -- you kept us on an even keel moving forward."
"From beginning to end, you've been a wonderful person," said board member Louise Burgess.
"Being a school board member is extremely difficult. I appreciate the patience it takes," said Mark Petersen, superintendent.
"You have kept the students first and foremost in decisions," commented Janis Hammar, director of programs for exceptional children and student services.
Mr. Leroy, who will begin serving on the board in January, said he is looking forward to it, but knows "I have big, big shoes to fill."
Mr. Phelps, visibly moved by the positive comments, said, "I've learned something from all of you. We have an excellent board that really cares about the kids."
No matter what tasks he undertakes in the future, Mr. Phelps made a promise: "I'll still be involved with kids."
