The Michigan Association of School Boards annually awards school board members for their efforts to improve their leadership skills and become more effective school leaders. These efforts also demonstrate board members’ commitments to student achievement and their own continuous improvement. Awards are earned for classes completed in MASB’s leadership training program, as well as for conference attendance, years of service and leadership activities.
School board members often stay up to date with statewide training and professional development. The MASB honors board members for seven levels of achievement. The President’s Award is the highest level of recognition. This honor requires first completing six levels of certification and awards. It also includes completing 29 advanced level CBA classes and 1,383 education credits.
Smith has served the TK Board of Education for 25 years. He is currently the vice president of the board and served many years as the president of the board.
“Dave models the very best of school board service,. His example sets the standard for our board, and our district benefits greatly from his service. Dave is kind and generous when sharing his knowledge with his fellow board members, and it makes all of us better,” said current TK Board of Education President Anne Hamming.
As a school board member, Smith has been instrumental in helping hire superintendents and working on strategic planning for the district. He’s also served on many panning and construction committees including ones for the construction of the middle school and major renovations to the high school and athletic stadium.
“David is a leader on our board of education and committed to staying up-to-date on issues facing our district. He is a critical part of our core leadership for TK Schools. He is very motivated and committed to continuing his professional development and doing what’s best for our TK students. We’re very fortunate to have him on our board and proud of his service to our school district,” said TK Superintendent Rob Blitchok.
To achieve Level One and become “certified,” board members receive 30 hours of classroom training in subjects ranging from school law and finance to community relations. Higher levels of recognition require even more coursework, service and leadership responsibilities.
Levels of Certification/Awards:
Level 1 – Certified Board member Award: Nine 100-level CBA classes
Level 2 – Award of Merit: Level 1 plus 45 education credits
Level 3 – Award of Distinction: Levels 1 and 2, four advanced level CBA classes and 208 education credits
Level 4 – Master Board Member Award: Levels 1-3, nine advanced level CBA classes and 368 education credits
Level 5 – Master Diamond Award: Levels 1-4, fourteen advanced level classes and 528 education credits
Level 6 – Master Platinum Award: Levels 1-5, nineteen advanced level classes and 813 education credits
Level 7 – President’s Award of Recognition: Levels 1-6, twenty-nine advanced level CBA classes and 1,383 education credits