NASHVILLE-School board members from across the state gathered in Nashville Nov. 15-17 for the 72nd Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) Annual Convention to share best practices, discuss changes in public education, and explore ways to improve Tennessee public schools.

Cocke County and Newport City boards of education were recognized during the event.

The Convention, focused on the theme "Empowering Excellence," featured a Legal Workshop, Community Relations Workshop, special interest sessions, and more than 20 clinic sessions designed to provide the latest data and information to those who oversee Tennessee's public education system.

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen addressed the Convention during its Nov. 16 General Session to discuss the future of public education in Tennessee. Bredesen was followed on stage by former U.S. Senator Bill Frist, Chairman of the Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE), who announced that SCORE will be undertaking six projects next year to implement recommendations from SCORE's final report, which was released last month. Members of the Tennessee Business Roundtable and the Tennessee Education Association were also present for Frist's announcement.

To encourage professional growth of school board members, TSBA offers certified board member awards and a master board member award to members who invest their time and effort into becoming more informed and more effective school board members. The award is given for participation in activities outside of local school board obligations. There are five levels of recognition, and Levels I through IV are recognized during Fall District Meetings and those receiving Level V, Master Board Member, are recognized at the annual TSBA convention held each November. Master board members must have earned 250 credits in the appropriate categories and must have received at least a 25 out of 30 possible points for their portfolio. Locally, Charlotte Mim of Newport Grammar School Board of Education achieved Level V, Master Board Member status in 2009.

In addition, both Cocke County and Newport City board of educations earned TSBA Boards of Distinction honors.

In 1998, TSBA began the Board of Distinction Program that recognizes outstanding performance by a school board as a whole in the areas planning, policy, promotion and board development. To qualify, boards must complete meet specific standards in the four areas of emphasis within a two-year period. Specific requirements for the award include conducting a superintendent evaluation, developing a five-year plan, participating in a board retreat, conducting an annual review of all board policies, being represented at the TSBA Delegate Assembly, adopting the TSBA Code of Ethics and participating in a board self-evaluation. Recipients of the award are presented with a plaque to display in their central office. Designation as a Board of Distinction is given for two years, after which the board may submit another entry Board of Distinction status.