Libertyville District 70 School Board Honored with Prestigious IASB Governance Award for 2018-19
Members of the Libertyville School District 70 Board of Education have been awarded the prestigious 2018 School Board Governance Recognition award for excellence in school leadership by the Illinois Association of School Boards.
This is the second time the District 70 School Board has received the distinction, first earning the state award in 2014. The recognition covers a two-year period. This year, 24 School Boards in the state were honored, including District 70.
"It's a testament to this board's commitment to bettering itself in school governance and the board's dedication to continuous improvement," School Board President Tom Vickers said of the most recent award. He noted that the board set a date with IASB to learn more about school governance even before two new board members were elected last spring. The award also "reflects the work of individual board members who have attended special (IASB) sessions in the spring and fall. This reflects the entire board's willingness and desire to continue to learn and get better at what we're supposed to be doing."
The School Board Governance Recognition is designed to acknowledge those schools boards that have engaged in activities that lead to excellence in local school governance in support of quality public education. Applying for the honor is rigorous and requires the involvement of school board members and the superintendent over a two-year period. Through the application process, school boards show that they've learned and practice effective governance through ongoing board development. The focus of the recognition is on the entire board development and participation as opposed to individual board member efforts.
"It's impressive to see the District 70 Board of Education genuinely committed to continuous improvement," said D70 Supt. Dr. Guy Schumacher. " Ongoing growth and development are expected of students and educators and they share the same values and accountability in their role as members of the school board."
Attending those special IASB sessions was part of School Board Vice President Wendy Schilling's dedication to District 70 and earned her a Master Board certificate. The IASB recognizes board members through the Master Board Member program for the time and effort they devote to IASB leadership activities and service to the public education community. Master Board Member points are earned by attending IASB division meetings, Governing meetings, legislative leadership programs as well as holding positions of leadership within the Association.
"I am privileged to represent the Village of Libertyville as a District 70 School Board member," Schilling said. "I take this charge very seriously. We always can learn new methods of teaching, testing, STEMS, finances and even selecting a new superintendent. I lead by example as a board member, parent and at my job. We should all be life learners and the Master Board Program affords me that opportunity."
District 70's seven-member school board is lead by President Vickers, Vice President Schilling, Secretary Greta Hoff, and members Linda Lucke, Chris Kennedy, Chris Coughlin, and Marc Grote.