District 25 board secretary wins state award

Debra Williams, board recording secretary and administrative assistant to the superintendent of Arlington Heights Elementary District 25, was the recipient of the fourth annual Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award for school district secretaries.

She was honored on Nov. 18 at the 80th Joint Annual Conference of the Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Association of School Administrators and Illinois Association of School Business Officials in Chicago.

Williams was chosen to receive the award from a list of 31 nominees. She has been the administrative assistant to the current superintendent since 1991 and has served as recording secretary for five years.

“Ms. Williams has served the district, community, school board, and superintendent’s office with tireless devotion, diplomacy, patience, grace, and poise beyond the scope of any job description. She has served with distinction and courage,” wrote Sarah Jerome, District 25 superintendent in her award nomination.

Williams’ accomplishments included her work with a number of community agencies that have come together in an annual event to provide materials and services necessary to assure that every child is ready for school, and her work with the coordinator of the district’s cultural exchange program with the city of Shitara, Japan.