MADISON – Ranae Bartlett has received the prestigious “All-State School Board Member” award, the highest honor that the Alabama Association of School Boards grants to individuals.

This award places Bartlett among past or present members of local boards of education from across the state who have exhibited exemplary ‘boardmanship.’ Alabama Association of School Boards accepted nominations in fall of 2020, and winners were announced during the association’s convention at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Birmingham on Dec. 5.

Since 1949, Alabama Association of School Boards has served education leaders for local decision-making in public education. In 1955, Alabama Legislature designated AASB as representative agency of Alabama school board members. The act authorizes local boards to cooperate with the association, pay membership fees and reimburse board members for expenses incurred while participating in AASB programs.

“School board service is a tough and often thankless job, but AASB works to recognize boards and board members who go above and beyond the call of duty with a variety of programs,” Dana W. Vandiver said. Vandiver is AASB Director of Public Relations.

“This year’s honorees truly set the standard for excellence in school board leadership,” AASB President Shannon Cauley said. “We applaud each of these recipients for their commitment to exemplary leadership on behalf of Alabama’s schoolchildren.”

Bartlett, a former member and Past President of Madison Board of Education, was nearing the end of her second five-year term when she resigned in October after election to Madison City Council. Bartlett, an attorney, served on the Madison board from 2011 to 2020.

With the School Board Member Academy, Bartlett achieved Level 4 and earned more than 250 training hours.

Individuals who nominated Bartlett for the award describe her as an astute leader who approached her duties as a school board member with integrity, transparency and principle, Vandiver said. Bartlett is credited with spearheading Madison’s successful tax campaign for MCS that led to the first double-digit increase in the state in 27 years.

A master chess teacher, Bartlett founded Madison City Chess League, which has seen phenomenal success and growth among students in all grades.

“None of the accomplishments achieved in Madison would have been possible without her tireless efforts,” former MCS Superintendent Robby Parker said. “Ms. Bartlett’s love and advocacy for the students has made an indelible mark in Madison.”

Other recipients of this award were Otis Hill of Eufaula, Robert Houston of Anniston and Dexter Thornton of Hale County.

Ranae is married to Todd Guthrie. They have one son, Michael Guthrie, who is 2020 Salutatorian at Bob Jones High School and currently studying chemical engineering at the University of Alabama.

Alabama Association of School Boards’ address is 43 S. Jackson St. in Montgomery. For more information, email info@alabamaschoolboards.org or visit alabamaschoolboards.org.