American Education Week (Nov. 15-21, 2009) provides an opportunity to recognize the men and women who have chosen the education of our children as their passion and profession. Education is crucial to the foundation of our democracy and the teachers, support staff and administrators who ensure that every child in our community is provided that right, deserve a huge pat on the back. Educators truly touch students’ lives every day.
Education represents an opportunity for every student to positively change their lives. No matter the circumstances into which children are born, they can improve their lives by taking advantage of the opportunities offered through public education. Through hard work and application of their daily lessons, children and young adults can increase their knowledge base, improve their communication skills, learn how to work in groups with all kinds of people, and learn to become lifelong learners who can utilize the facts and knowledge they have learned and apply them to find viable solutions to any problem they may face.
These skills are taught and practiced every day in our schools. They are learned in our classrooms, on game fields and courts, in concert halls and auditoriums, and out in the community through activities designed to teach teamwork and appreciation for one’s fellow man. Our professional educators and support personnel 
dedicate their lives to improving the educational opportunities for our students. I am honored to work with them in this endeavor and applaud them for the great work they do. Please join me in expressing your appreciation for the wonderful things that take place in our schools.
As a kick-off to American Education Week, the state of Illinois has set Nov. 15 as School Board Members Day to recognize these special volunteers. School board members are elected to represent their fellow community members by setting policy and making decisions about the future of their respective public school districts. School board members are unpaid, donating countless hours of their own time to answer questions, study data and prepare for meetings. They field hundreds of calls and questions from constituents and make tough decisions among difficult choices. My hat is off to these dedicated volunteers and I urge you to thank your local school board members for their service to our children.
Dr. Daniel O’Donnell
Superintendent of Schools
Oswego Community Unit School District 308