South Whidbey School District took some time to celebrate its school board last week.

District Superintendent Jo Moccia gave the five board members a certificate in recognition of their service to the students and families on South Whidbey.

“I wanted to thank the school board for your time, for your expertise,” Moccia said last Wednesday.

“I want to thank you for the work the employees do on behalf of children.”

“You really exemplify as a school board what the work of a school board is.”

Governor Christine Gregoire declared January as School Board Recognition Month last year.

In Gregoire’s proclamation, she said 295 elected school boards employ more than 100,000 people. Public school districts are governed by elected officials who serve four-year terms. Those school boards also manage a combined budget of $6 billion to ensure students receive a K-12 education.

There are more than 1,400 students in South Whidbey schools. The board is responsible for guiding the superintendent and approving the use of more than $15 million in revenue.