"We appreciate all the

hard work you do everyday. This is not an easy job. Sometimes you have

to make hard decisions but we appreciate the commitment you have made

to our school system, students, parents and citizens," DeCotis told

the board.

As constitutional officers

of Georgia, school board members are responsible for setting educational

policies, employing school personnel, providing buildings and equipment,

operating a transportation system and disbursing school funds. As community

leaders, school board members serve as advocates for the children in local

public schools and must study, evaluate and decide what actions are in

the best interest of those students.

The GSBA is a voluntary statewide

organization of local boards of education. The organization serves as

an advocate for the interest of the state's public school students

and local school boards. GSBA also provides in-service training and technical

assistance to Georgia's local school systems and school board members.

The weeklong recognition program will commence on March 8 at the State

Capitol with Governor Sonny Perdue and other educational leaders celebrating

GSBA/GSSA (Georgia School Superintendents Association) Day at the Capitol.

Fayette's Board of Education

includes:

- Terri Smith, chair,

Post 2. Native of Brooks, 24-year county resident, former teacher. Married

to Chip, three children (Halie, Emily and James).

- Marion Key, vice chair,

Post 3. Native of Macon, 23-year county resident, retired educator (9

years elementary school, 25 years at Clayton College and State University).

Married to Jere, two children (Lori and Scott).

- Greg Powers, Post 4.

Native of Fayetteville, 35-year county resident, heating and air conditioning

salesman. Married to Bonita, two children (Molly and Becca).

- Janet Smola, Post 1.

Native of Springfield, Mass., 11-year county resident, professional fundraiser

(nonprofit). Married to Michael, two children (Zachary and Andrew).

- Lee Wright, Post 5.

Native of Lithonia, 6-year county resident, general manager and controller

for Delta Air Lines. Married to Delores, two children (Tyler and Blake).