XENIA — A pair of Xenia school board members will receive the Ohio School Boards Association’s Award of Achievement during a regional spring conference.

William Spahr and Cheryl Marcus will be honored by the OSBA for their commitment to training and leadership activities on the board of education, regionally and statewide. Spahr, who also serves on the Greene County Career Center board, is receiving his 18th such honor, while Marcus is a first-time recipient.

“I am pleased that my effort is recognized,” Marcus said. “But more importantly that I’m hoping that the time and effort that I put into studying issues related to public education will improve my service to the citizens of Xenia. That’s what’s expected of board members. I would hope that our community members would want us to become knowledgeable. It’s the same thing they expect of our teachers, is to continue to improve their knowledge and skills in their technical area. That’s why I put forth the time and effort.”

Marcus and Spahr have been involved in myriad activities, including webinars, conferences, engaging with legislatures and participating in reading books and discussions regarding public school matters.

“Our district is very proud of (them),” Superintendent Denny Morrison said.

Of the more than 3,400 board members in Ohio, only 51 will receive the honor, according to the OSBA.

“It’s quite an honor,” Spahr said. “But it’s a measurement of how active you are and how hard you work to stay ahead of the game and learn what you’re supposed to do. It’s their way of saying ‘these people are really trying to improve themselves as board members. ’ I get it every year because I’m so active.”

Spahr was also named a master board member twice, the only board member in Ohio with such recognition.

The conference will be held in Cincinnati on Tuesday, March 8.