Mesner’s school board leadership pans quarter of century

By: Sheila Crowley

Murray County News Staffwriter

An effective school board plays an important watchdog role in keeping local schools on track and setting policies that affect the students and school. The school board sets the vision and goals for the school district and holds the district accountable for results. One school board member cannot do the job alone. Effective school board members contribute their unique talents while collaborating and working as a team with other board members, administration, and staff.

Tom Mesner, Chandler, has been serving the Murray County Central school district in this capacity for the past 25 years – representing the longest anyone board member has served on the MCC board. Elected in 1994, Mesner, replaced his father-in-law, Robert Bloemendaal who had just completed his 23rd year of service.

“I think I could be persuaded to run,” was Mesner’s comment after talking to some local residents in Chandler when contemplating his first bid for election. Mesner explained his children were just about ready to start school and felt a desire to serve in this capacity. “It was a way to have a voice in our children’s education as well as keeping us in involved.”

One of the tasks set before school board members is to have a clear vision for the district along with communicating and keeping the public informed. But most important is what is best for the students. The board needs to focus on student achievement and implementing policies that will ensure success for all students.

Mesner says probably the biggest change he’s seen over the past 25 years is the interaction parents and students are now allotted with media and internet. “Parents can be much more hands-on with how their child is doing at school,” explained Mesner. Previously notes were sent home from teachers, or you waited for the report card at the end of the quarter and hoped your child’s grades were ok. With technology, parents can track their child online, interact with their teacher via email or message, and know what’s going on in school via the website. “Basically everything is at their fingertips,” says Mesner. “It’s amazing way to connect compared to the way it used to be.”

To read the rest of this article – pick up a copy of this weeks Murray County News or subscribe to our e-edition at http://eedition.murraycountynews.net/sub/account_login.asp.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email