Texans benefit every day from the tireless work and countless hours dedicated by a group of more than 7,300 men and women in communities across the state. These public servants are elected to serve by local constituents and receive no compensation for their efforts. These men and women are the school board members of Texas.

January is School Board Appreciation Month and Birdville ISD wants to take this opportunity to thank these local leaders for devoting time to support public education and serve our schools.

“It’s more important than ever before that the public shows support for public education. Board members face critical challenges in their roles as advocates, and they will continue to stand strong and guard against anything that takes away from our children and undermines our public schools,” said Darrell G. Brown, Birdville ISD superintendent.

“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. 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. In these challenging times, they face difficult choices and shoulder critical responsibilities. Their ultimate goal is always focused on the future success of the children in our district,” Brown said.

The board members serving Birdville ISD are: Ralph Kunkel, businessman, is the 2012-13 board president. He was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2002. He is a 1978 graduate of Haltom High School. Brad Greene, businessman, is the 2012-13 board vice president. He was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2009. He graduated from Haltom High School in 1986. Cary Hancock, businessman, is the 2012-13 board secretary. He was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2009. He is a 1980 graduate of Richland High School. Joe Tolbert, attorney, was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2006. Dolores Webb, businesswoman, was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1990. She is a graduate of Richland High School. Richard Davis, businessman, was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2006. He is a 1974 graduate of Richland High School. Jack McCarty, CPA, was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2011. He is a 1980 graduate of Richland High School.

“Our district benefits from the contributions of the dedicated efforts of these individuals who truly care about our children. Serving as a crucial link between the community and classroom, this board is responsible for an annual budget of more than $200 million, 24,155 students, 2,978 employees, and 33 campuses. We applaud their willingness to serve as advocates for our children and the voice of public education,” Brown said.