Helms named All-State school board member
Distinguished service has earned Sue Helms, vice president of the Madison school board, the Alabama Association of School Boards’ highest honor.
Helms has been named a 2010 Alabama All-State School Board Member.
Helms was honored with a plaque and special recognition during AASB’s convention at The Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham, Dec. 2 through 4.
“Sue exemplifies the highest standards this award sets,” said AASB President Florence Bellamy. “She is an excellent school board member. She is committed to doing the job well and serving the interests of all students in Madison city and Alabama.”
The All-State School Board Member Recognition Program, now in its 19th year, commends select past or present school board members across the state, who have exhibited exemplary boardmanship. All-State candidates are nominated by their fellow board members and judged by a panel of distinguished former school board members. Winners are proven education/community leaders and activists who are committed to ethical standards and have a rapport with local officials.
This year’s winners have actively participated in AASB?s School Board Member Academy, an ongoing school for school board members that features four achievement levels. Credit hours are earned by attending training in eight key areas: roles and responsibilities; effective boards and relationships; financial accountability; staff development; leadership for academic achievement; optimal learning environment; policy and planning; and community engagement.
Helms has attended 128 AASB conferences, earned 543 academy hours and reached the Master’s Honor Roll. In addition, she has served as AASB’s president, vice president and District 9 Director. She currently is a member of AASB’s Executive/Legislative Committee and has served on the AASB Resolutions, Convention Planning, Multicultural, Summer Conference Planning and Budget and Finance committees.
Helms has served for a number of years as a member of the National School Boards Association’s Federal Relations Network and as a participant in the NSBA Technology and Learning group and the National Association for Year-Round Education Initiatives. She also frequently travels to Montgomery to confer with Madison County legislators about pending legislation.
In other contributions to the greater public, Helms has been strongly involved with the Republican Women of Madison, as the governor’s appointee to the Alabama State Textbook Committee, as a member of the State Superintendent of Education’s Report Card Committee, on the Huntsville/Madison County Mental Health Association Board, a board member for the Children’s Advocacy center and as a member of her local Parent-Teacher Association. Helms was also chosen for Leadership Huntsville/Madison County for her community service and leadership.
“She is absolutely the go-to person for any task needing to get accomplished,” said Madison Mayor Paul Finley. “She works numerous hours, including chairing board meetings. Her positive attitude and leadership skills are infectious, and she is a great mentor for all future leaders of tomorrow.”
“Sue goes above and beyond the call of duty,” the Mayor continued, “and I have never failed to be impressed by her enthusiasm and by the inspiration she gives to the residents of Madison and the business community.”
“Mrs. Helms is truly an advocate for children and a champion for public education,” wrote Madison Schools Superintendent Dee O. Fowler in his nomination letter. “Mrs. Helms is also committed to keeping what is in the best interest of students at the forefront of decisions related to policy making and education program advisement. She works closely with staff and administrators on various committees to ensure strategies and plans are executed in a manner that will be advantageous to students, and she is dedicated to making certain educational excellence for students remains a priority for all educational leaders.”
