McDonald awarded by TSBA

Peers praise McDonald for dedication and hard work

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The Tennessee School Boards Association recently announced that Jayson McDonald, chairman of the White County School Board, had reached level four of boardsmanship. 

“The citizens of White County are fortunate to have a school board chairman like Mr. Jayson McDonald,” White County director of schools Kurt Dronebarger said of McDonald. “His friendly demeanor, caring heart, and his desire to do what is right truly make him an effective leader. He brings no personal agenda to his position but, rather, always seeks to do what is in the best interest of the school community. I am proud to work with Chairman McDonald, and I congratulate him on this accomplishment.”

The Tennessee School Boards Association, which is the governing body that assists the school districts across the state, has five levels of boardsmanship, which are based on a points system, that they award each year. The state of Tennessee requires that all members of district school boards attend training each year to continue their education on being effective board members. Members receive points that accumulate toward the different levels of the TSBA’s program for the continuing education events they attend.

“I feel that it is important that I, and my fellow board members,  stay on top of what is happening in education, not only on the local level but also to stay abreast of what is happening in the Upper Cumberland and across the State,” McDonald, who is also president of the Upper Cumberland chapter of the TSBA, said about the trainings that the state requires. “The TSBA provides us with the training so that we can come back to our local boards and share with them what is and is not working in other areas around us.”

Along with accumulating points for attending trainings, additional points are awarded to those board members who are active in their community and demonstrate so by attending such things as city board meetings and county commission meetings and being involved in a variety of community activities.

“Since we are elected officials, I like to be visible in the community,” McDonald said about his involvement in community events around White County. “Whether it is running the clock for the Findlay basketball games or supporting all of our schools through their PTO meetings or reading nights or any other activity they might have going on.”

McDonald didn’t set out to seek awards and receive acclamations, however. His goal has always been to see the students of White County succeed.

“My hope is that all the students in White County Schools will achieve the best possible education they can possibly get,” he said. “Whether that be a path to a two-or four-year college or to TCAT to learn a trade doesn’t matter. I want them to have been given the path to becoming a productive part of our community I want them to be proud to say that they got their start in the school system right here in White County. I want this to be a place they would want to settle down and raise their family to be Warriors just like they are.”

“Mr. McDonald works hard for our school system to make it the best for our students and all those who work hard daily to make education a priority for this county,” White County School Board member Kay Prater said. “We are proud of his accomplishments on his level four award.”

Board member Bob Young echoed Prater’s sentiments.

“I was really proud of Jayson when his achievement was announced at our district meeting,” he said. “A lot of extra effort is required to work through TSBA’s boardsmanship program. It’s a reflection of Jayson’s desire to help White County’s school district lead in the Upper Cumberland and across the state, and it’s a great example for us all to follow.”

“Jayson takes his role as a school board member seriously. The White County School District has been, and continues to be, a top-performing district in the Upper Cumberland and across the state. Over the years, many teachers, administrators, and directors have been recognized for performance in their jobs. In effect, those individuals have set the performance standard for our district,” Young continued. “Knowing Jayson as I do, he wants to contribute to our district’s success in his role as an elected official. Not because there is any personal gain from that achievement but because he loves White County. We are very fortunate for Jayson’s commitment and service to our district.”

McDonald said he was honored to recognized by the TBSA. However, he knows it is just a title, and there is still work do and growth to be achieved.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the TSBA for the level four of their boardsmanship program,” he said. “This year has been a struggle for everyone, and it definitely has changed the way we look at education, as well as things in our personal lives, and how we will move into the future. I just hope to continue to learn and grow and hopefully help White County Schools be the best there is in the State of Tennessee.”

“My passion for the schools centers around the kids and hoping that they will be a part of a great system where you can learn and grow each day,” McDonald continued. “Hopefully they will continue to progress each day and grow each year. Who knows, we could have the next prize-winning scientist, governor or president of the United States walking the halls of one of our schools right now. It would be great to think that in some very small way I had a part in being involved in that, but our teachers are the real heroes in our system. They are the rock stars and deserve all the recognition for the way our system has excelled across the state.”     

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