This document has been formatted for printing from your browser from the Web site of the Illinois Association of School Boards.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE -- This document is © copyrighted by the Illinois Association of School Boards. IASB hereby grants to school districts and other Internet users the right to download, print and reproduce this document provided that (a) the Illinois Association of School Boards is noted as publisher and copyright holder of the document and (b) any reproductions of this document are disseminated without charge and not used for any commercial purpose.

Illinois School Board Journal
January/February 2007

I am the School Board
by Orman L. Miller

Orman L. Miller was a rural school board member from Onarga, Kansas. His tribute to the school board was reprinted from The Kansas Teacher in Vol. 1, No. 2 of The Illinois School Board Bulletin, the forerunner of this publication.

Editor's note: This volume begins the 75th edition of The Illinois School Board Journal. A longer article on the history of the publication will appear in the March/April issue, which will coincide with the first publication dates. Until then, please enjoy these thoughts from the past on School Boards.

I am the School Board.
I am the world's greatest Foster Parent.
I take the love and care that other men lavish on their own, and divide it generously with all.
I care for the orphans and the widow's flock.
I speak for the children of the rich when prejudice prevents them receiving Fair Treatment, and I insist that the poor be accorded all their rights and privileges.
I am the foe of inequality.
I seek the equality of Mankind, regardless of color, caste, sex or religion.
I strive to ride upon an even keel through the storms of hate and ignorance; and to remain indifferent to the petty embroilments of a community.
I am the champion of education, believing in its ability to save both the individual and the whole.
I am the target for the pointed barbs of criticism.
I stand in a public place and never strike back.
I am the Servant of the world's greatest force, the trained intelligence.
I hold the rights of a generation of children in the hollow of my hand, but never obtain recognition of my own.
I seek to be fair and to be wise.
I am the most paternalistic subdivision of government whose tendency toward Paternalism is its most distinguishing mark; and its crowning glory.
I give of my time, my money, and my abilities for the common good and take my pay in the satisfaction of serving.
I place the labor of my hands, the ideas of my head, and the love of my heart constantly upon the altar of Public Service.
I am the School Board.