Thomas named to All-Tennessee School Board

Dyersburg City School Board member Nettie Thomas was recently honored as a member of the All-Tennessee State School Board at the TSBA's annual convention in Nashville. One of five recipients in the state recognized for dedication, professionalism and the vision needed to take public education to the highest level, Thomas was credited by Superintendent Lloyd Ramer as a leader in the system's approach to caring for the whole child. From left, Kent McNish of the Franklin Special School Board, Thomas, Pat Chester of the McMinn County School Board, Shaw Daniels of the Maury County School Board and Ron Adcock of the Bedford County School Board. [Click to enlarge]

As a member of the Dyersburg City School Board, Thomas has had the opportunity to help implement policies that help educators in the system do just that. In fact, at a recent staff dinner, Dyersburg City Schools Superintendent Lloyd Ramer credited Thomas with leading the way in the system's approach to serving the whole child.

Thomas was also recently named to the 2008 All-Tennessee School Board at the Tennessee School Board Association's annual convention in Nashville, one of only five recipients in the state recognized by the TSBA for dedication, professionalism and vision.

Due to receive her Level Five pin as a Master School Board member in the TSBA program honoring representatives who are dedicated to becoming more informed and effective school board members, Thomas will continue to work alongside her fellow board members for another term.

But she only intended to take one turn on the school board.

"I was only going to serve one term," said Thomas, who has served 16 years on the Dyersburg City School Board and as secretary of the organization since 2000. "And then I learned that you have to stay two terms to even know what you are doing. I (still) have no intention of (joining the Quarter Century Club and) being a school board member for 25 years."

Thomas is pleased with the way the Dyersburg City School Board works together and in the school system's holistic approach to the children it serves. Her background in social work adds a unique perspective to the city school board and gives her a chance to minister to both students and their families, a task that is dear to her heart.

"You know, I just love people. My thing is you have to feed the whole child," said Thomas, who was a charter member of Dyersburg State Community College's first graduating class in 1971 and went on to earn a degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a double major in Social Work and Education. "(To feed them) spiritually, physically and mentally. Sometimes they need food. Sometimes they need love. Sometimes they need attention. Sometimes school is the only place they get those things. I am so thankful that the Dyersburg City School System takes the time to find out why Johnny and Susie are having a bad day."

Innovations in education have created school resource teams to address issues affecting student behavior and learning abilities. Thomas is proud to see schools in the system using those teams to offer students aid in mental health, psychological health, nursing and truancy.

"I'm glad to know that is available," said Thomas. "Our alternative school is beginning to be an alternative school: a learning resource center and an alternative to (mainstream) education."

Thomas compliments her fellow board members for the way the group interacts and the respect they show to one another.

"We are just a group of people who love each other and try to make the most of what we have to make a good school system," said Thomas. "Our board is so diverse. We have a common goal and that is to make sure every child gets the best education they can get. I think we are doing a good job."

During Thomas's tenure on the board, the Dyersburg City School System has been recognized for its H.O.S.T.S. and Tennessee Scholars programs and was the first system in the state to go through the SACS accreditation process including all schools and the central office. Dyersburg High School is the only school in the state twice recognized as a Blue Ribbon School, and has recently added Mandarin Chinese to its curriculum.

"I'm glad at the diversity in the school system," said Thomas. "It does not matter where you live, Dyersburg is willing to give you the education of a lifetime if you choose to accept it and do your part. Black or white, rich or poor, everyone will have to do our part."