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National School Board recognition week is February 20th -24th. It is a time when the community, Avon school staff and parents can take the time to thank the members of the local school board for their time and dedication to make their school a better place. The Avon School Board has five members: Jeff Tolsma, Joe Sees, Bridgette Muller, Craig Vanderlei, and David Ratzlaff. A well-deserved thank you and recognition for their service is in order for the school board members. Jeff Tolsma Jeff Tolsma is a school board member in his 11th year. Jeff is the most senior member of the school board in terms of number of years served. When asked why he ran for a school board position in the first place, his response was that he was encouraged by Avon community members. The part that he enjoys the most about being a school board member is the opportunity to have a positive impact on the Avon school and community. Jeff feels that Avon has very solid staff and a great school. His goal as a school board member is to keep it that way and “keep the ship afloat”. At this point in time, Jeff is undecided as to whether or not he will run for another term on the board. Jeff is a farmer/rancher. Joe Sees Joe Sees is a school board member serving his seventh year. Joe is in the first year of his third term. When asked why he ran for a school board position in the first place, Joe said that he ran to help with policy and decision making so that the Avon school would continue to be one of the best small schools in the state of SD. The part that Joe enjoys the most about being on the school board is learning about what happens inside the school and the financial aspects of running the school. He has also really enjoyed working with the administration and teaching staff. One area that Joe would like to see more of is the staff and community involvement with board meetings. That way as board members, they can receive as much input as possible when it comes to making some of the tougher decisions that they are tasked with. Joe is not sure if he will be running for a fourth term after his current term is up. Joe is a physical therapist at the Wagner Community Hospital Avera. Bridgette Muller Bridgette Muller was appointed to the school board in 2020 and then was elected in 2021. She has served going on her fourth year. When asked why she ran for a school board position in the first place, Bridgette’s response was that Avon is her hometown and the school that she received her entire education kindergarten through graduation from. She became interested in the school board as her children got older and she began getting involved in other committees within the community. She has a vast knowledge of human resources, financials, business operations, technology and community involvement, she felt she had a lot of departmental expertise to offer the district. Her favorite part about being on the school board is being involved and staying on top of what the school district has to offer in comparison to other districts. There is nothing that Bridgette would like to see done differently or changed. She feels that the Avon School District has a solid foundation and a bright future. She absolutely plans to run again for a school board position when her term expires. She wants to be able to keep serving the tax payers as long as possible. Having the trust of and being a voice for community members, parents, students and faculty is very rewarding. Bridgette works as the Human Resources Manager at Rush-Co in Springfield. Craig Vanderlei Craig Vanderlei has been an Avon School Board member for the past three years. When asked why he ran for a school board position in the first place, Craig’s response was to be more involved and learn more about how the school operates. Craig really enjoys learning the way that the school operates. He also is very proud to be a part of the best school for the kids’ education and staff around. One thing that Craig wants to make sure happens while he serves on the board, is that everyone has an opportunity to be heard and concerns are heard from staff, students and parents. Craig does plan on running again when his term is up. Craig is a farmer. David Ratzlaff David has been a part of the Avon School Board since July of 2023. When asked why he ran for a school board position, David’s response was because of the kids. As a father of five children, he wanted to help play a role in their education. David also felt as a graduate of Avon High School that this was a way that he could give back. What he enjoys most about being on the school board, is that he is able to learn about policies and financials of the school district. David also enjoys being a part of the prosperity of the district thanks in part to Avon’s amazing staff and students. Since, David is very early in his first term on the board, so he is still learning many things. At this time, David does not plan on trying to make any major changes, just taking people’s opinions into consideration and addressing any issues as they come up at the monthly meetings. With David only being at the beginning of his term, David will evaluate his decision about whether or not he will run for re-election, but he is enjoying his time on the board. David is a farmer that also works part time at MDS manufacturing, delivering loader attachments and as a school bus driver.