January is School Board Recognition Month, and the Oak Harbor Public Schools recognized its board members Jan. 9.

The board was honored for its dedication to students and education.

“Even though we are making a special effort in January to show appreciation to our board members, we realize their many contributions reflect a year-round commitment,” said schools Superintendent Lance Gibbon.

“They generously give of themselves to ensure that decisions directly affecting our local schools are made by representatives of this community, people who are close to our schools and know our teachers, parents, and students.”

The school board, composed of elected, unpaid members, is responsible for an annual budget of $67 million, 700 employees, more than 5,600 students and 10 campuses.

Board members currently serving Oak Harbor are Cory Johnson, since 2005; Peter Hunt, since 2007; Christine Abbott, since 2011; Bob Hallahan, since 2015; and Ana Maria Schlecht, the newest member, joining the board in 2016.

• The Oak Harbor School Board meets 6-8:30 p.m. every second and last Monday of the month, except during July and December, when the board meets only once.

Meetings are held at the district administration building located at 350 South Oak Harbor St. in Oak Harbor.