Crystal Lake Elementary District 47's Clare Bourne receives 2017 IASB Holly Jack Service Award
Clare Bourne has been named the 2017 recipient of the ninth annual Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award by the Illinois Association of School Boards. She serves as District 47's executive administrative assistant to the superintendent and board of education secretary.
The association created the outstanding service award to honor the memory of Holly Jack, a long-time employee who served as a field services administrative assistant and was instrumental in creating professional development programs for board and district secretaries. The award honors Jack's contribution and memory and recognizes the extraordinary work and service provided by secretaries who serve and assist their local boards of education. Bourne was presented with the award at the 2017 Joint Annual IASB conference in Chicago Nov. 17-19.
A selection committee comprised of board members, superintendents, school business officials, district administrative assistants, and former IASB administrative assistants reviewed the nominating materials and made the selection. Nominations were made by district superintendents and school board presidents and candidates were evaluated based on the following criteria: performance, initiative, innovation, staff development, self-improvement, passion for public education, and dedication to the district and community.
"Clare's depth of knowledge and exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills are a true asset to our organization," said District 47 Superintendent Dr. Kathy Hinz. "Her dedication to students and support for those serving our students is unmatched."
Bourne has spent nearly 20 years working in public education. She began as a classroom aide at Woods Creek Elementary in 1998 and became a substitute coordinator in 2000. In July 2002, she was named executive administrative assistant to Superintendent Ron Miller while also assuming the duties of board secretary. In her tenure, Bourne has smoothly transitioned through three superintendents and four board presidents. She assists in the daily functions and tasks involved in running a school district and is a trusted partner and confidante to the Superintendent, skillfully fielding questions and concerns with ease and handling difficult and sometimes sensitive matters with empathy and diplomacy. She is a valuable conduit to all stakeholders, including the board of education, executive leadership team, administration and the school community at large.
"I am humbled to be chosen for the 2017 Holly Jack Service Award," said Bourne. "I'm extremely grateful for the kind words and affirmation from colleagues and board members past and present. This truly is an honor."
According to D47 Board President Rob Fetzner, "Clare is the 'behind-the-scenes' force that allows many aspects of our school district to operate seamlessly and effortlessly. Her kindness, diplomacy, and dedication are beyond reproach."