Dist. 70 board president to be awarded Master School Board Member Maintenance status

With only six years on the Libertyville Elementary District 70 school board, Board President Maryann Ovassapian has reached the prestigious status of Master School Board Member with the highest ranking of Maintenance.

She is one of 12 Lake County school board members to reach the status of maintaining this year, according to Judy Niezgoda with the Illinois Association of School Boards.

“Like our students and staff, Maryann is committed to ongoing learning and development,” said Dr. Guy Schumacher, superintendent of the district. “She cares a great deal about District 70 and it shows in her overall visibility, commitment and dedication to the learning community as a whole. We are tremendously lucky to have such a conscientious Board of Education president.”

The Master School Board Member Program, once known as the Leadership & Development Award, is awarded by the Illinois Association of School Boards. The award honors the service and participation of school board members for their involvement in the IASB, the National School Board Association and in their own district. Members must complete an extensive list of requirements.

In just a few short years, Ovassapian has worked her way to Level I, Level II and then Master Board Member. This year she managed to maintain her Master School Board Member status. A Master School Board Member earns 200 credits through a variety of means, which include attending conferences, meetings, participating on committees and working on board self-evaluations.

The honors recognize board members who serve and participate in various IASB and/or NSBA activities within and beyond their local boards.

“The award is very special,” said a modest Ovassapian.

Ovassapian, who is known for her supportive and encouraging style of leadership, has served in almost every aspect of the local school board, volunteering for many committees and additional duties.