Newly elected School Board members are supporting tradition while also bringing new ideas to their positions.

The Greenwood Community School Board creates policies for Greenwood Schools, creating a functional, safe, and effective learning environment for both students and staff.

“I have worked at Isom Elementary for many years and then the middle school. I have been a parent, and I know the School Board has done so many great things over the past years,” Mrs. Sheila Martin said.

With her new position on the board, Mrs. Martin plans to continue several of the great policies the School Board has implemented for Greenwood Schools.

“We have one of the highest first year teacher salaries in the county, and hopefully the board continues this because we want to get teachers hired and have them stay here because they are familiar faces. Keeping those teachers here is a big thing we would like to keep going while maintaining the teacher student ratio and keeping that small, especially on the elementary level,” Mrs. Martin said.

Keeping tradition motivated Mrs. Martin to run for a position.

“My kids have graduated and moved on, but my nieces and nephews are still in school so I am still an invested part in the school. I know the School Board has done so many great things, and that is why I wanted to run because there were so many great things I wanted to continue for the schools and the students,” she said.

Even though the School Board has established several beneficial policies, new board member Mrs. Peggy Daeger is interested in introducing ideas.

“One thing that I would really like to see changed is that we do not recognize the students for different things. They are announced at the School Board meetings, but I would like to see them brought to the School Board with their parents and congratulate them because it can help students achieve more overall,” Mrs. Daeger said.

Mrs. Daeger’s experience as a Greenwood staff member brings a new perspective. Her dedication to Greenwood Community Schools greatly promoted her campaign as she ran unopposed.

“I walked around with a paper explaining that I have drove a school bus for 35 years with Greenwood Community Schools, 20 of which were with special needs, so I wanted to let them know that I bring a different perspective to the board by being an employee,” Mrs. Daeger said.

Mrs. Daeger hopes to build positive environments within Greenwood Schools.

“I am looking forward to the idea of getting to introduce and congratulate students at the beginning of our meetings. From things such as winning a championship to just being an A student or having perfect attendance, I am excited to bring that and say congratulations and give them recognition. I think it will help with the school pride and other kids would see it and it would help them also achieve more,” Mrs. Daeger said.

Mrs. Martin hopes to work with the board to continue these positive environments within Greenwood Schools.

“I just want to keep the good going. If there are things that need improving, I would like to sit with the board and work on those things that are not as thriving as they should, but I just want to keep the good going,” Mrs. Martin said.