The Exemplary Governance Awards (EGA) are conferred annually by ISBA. Awards are conferred across four levels of distinction. This year’s honors include 109 Commendable Awards (Level 1), 78 Advanced Awards (Level 2), 54 Distinguished Awards (Level 3), and 29 Exemplary Awards (Level 4).
The Pulaski County school board members received awards as follows:
- Tim Rausch – Level 1 Commendable recognition.
- Beth Ruff-Crawford – Level 3 Distinguished recognition
- Derrick Stalbaum - Level 2 Advanced Award
- Mandy Sharpe – Level 2 Advanced Award
- Jake Tanner – Level 2 Advanced Award
In addition, the entire West Central school board received an Advanced Award (Level 2), with all board members attaining Commendable individual status.
A total of 105 school boards earned board level awards. Level 1 and Level 2 Board awards are based on the collective point totals earned by board members, while Level 3 and Level 4 Board awards require the completion of additional criteria, such as a retreat with an outside facilitator.
“On behalf of ISBA, I would like to commend this most exceptional group of school board members,” said ISBA executive director Terry Spradlin. “School boards perform a vital public service, and members who actively participate in professional learning are better equipped to perform their duties effectively.”
Honorees will formally receive their awards at ISBA’s Spring Regional Meetings in April. The regional meetings are being held in Lafayette, Merrillville, Plymouth, Fort Wayne, Kokomo, Greencastle, Hagerstown, Indianapolis, Seymour, and Jasper.
“These individuals are leading the way as models who strive for effective school board governance, and they should be proud of their accomplishments,” said ISBA president Rebecca Gardenour.
ISBA provides a full range of professional learning opportunities to help board members govern effectively. At dozens of events throughout the year, ISBA informs and educates board members about best practices, legislative issues, policy development, school law, and more.
