(Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette) Hancock Superintendent Steve Patchin, right, expressed his appreciation of the Hancock School Board during School Board Recognition Month. From left to right are School Board members Rod Paavola, Michael Lancour, Wendy Chynoweth, Catherine Jordan, and Board President Dale Kero. Absent is Randy Heinonen. to the left of Patchin is Charles (Chuck) Paoli.

HANCOCK — Steve Patchin, superintendent of Hancock Public Schools, expressed his appreciation to the school board for their support, cooperation, and overall efforts since he took his position before the beginning of the 2019-20 school year.

The Michigan Association of School Boards designated each January as School Board Recognition Month across the state, said Patchin. At that time, 1989, only five other states were recognizing the efforts of school board members, and currently nearly every state, including Michigan, recognizes their efforts. Patchin took the opportunity to praise Hancock’s school board members, both individually, and as a body.

“A lot of school boards, especially the bigger ones downstate, the members are compensated for being on a school board, but in a lot of them, they’re not,” said Patchin. “In my school they’re not compensated, so (for them) this is a labor of love. It’s all volunteer.”

Patchin said that the amount of times the members have to spend going through trainings and similar endeavors, or just going through the business and helping make decisions for the district, “to that just of your volition, I mean, that’s pretty incredible.”

Patchin said in addition to being an ideal time to recognize board members, it is also a good time to reflect on what has been accomplished over a given period of time.

“In my case, what have we accomplished since August,” he said. “I mean, as a district, what have we got moving forward?”

Patchin said he has been very fortunate as a new superintendent to work with the Hancock Public Schools Board.

The School Board consists of Dale Kero, Randy Heinonen, Catherine Jordan, Wendy Chynoweth, Charles Paoli, Michael Lancour, and Rod Paavola.

“They have been patient as I gain experience in my new position,” said Patchin. “They have provided me valuable community feedback from the many community circles they travel in, and are supportive of the efforts of our district team. These individuals have volunteered to serve our community by helping to craft and education experience that will prepare each student to become successful and productive members of our society.”

Each member’s unique set of skills and knowledge are vital to success as they and the staff transform Hancock Public Schools to better meet the needs of the students and the community, Patchin said.

“When you see these folks this month,” Patchin said, “please share the kind words of ‘Thanks for you leadership.’ Take it from me, it’s well deserved. The year 2020 promises to be the Year of the Bulldog, thanks to their ongoing efforts.”