School Board Appreciation Month was celebrated at the Jan. 31 Northampton Area School Board meeting with cards from students, a banner, and coffee and cookies.

"I want to thank them for their service on the board of education," said district Superintendent Joseph Kovalchik. "It takes a unique person to serve on a board of education in this world. It's the purest form of government because they don't get paid."

He noted that several board members have 10-plus years of service, including board President David Gogel, board Vice President Jane Erdo and board member Jean Rundle.

"We have a good board right now. We've accomplished a lot here with the right mix of persons and service," said Kovalchik.

He surveyed school board members at the board table, singled out each for praise and later walked along the table and gave each a handshake or hug.

"It's an excellent mix for people to give their opinions," Kovalchik said.

Each board member was presented with a certificate of appreciation.

"I'm having a senior moment of sadness and joy at the same time," Erdo said. "From the bottom of my heart, I'm grateful."

Rundle also thanked the students for making the appreciation cards.

"It's amazing what students do for us. It's overwhelming," Gogel said.

"I would also like to thank my kid. I don't know how he kept it a secret," board member Darin Arthofer said.

"I would also like to thank the students. And I don't know how my mother kept it a secret, but she also signed it," added board member Cory Fenstermaker.

January was School Board Appreciation Month, a program of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and National School Boards Association.