The Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 Board of Education was among 53 school boards statewide recognized by the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) for excellence in school governance during the organization's Lake Division Dinner, held October 14, at Waukegan High School’s Brookside Campus.
The Board received IASB's School Board Governance Recognition, an honor awarded to just seven school boards in Lake County this year. This marks the first time Waukegan's Board of Education has earned the recognition since 2012.
The School Board Governance Recognition program honors school boards that demonstrate a commitment to effective governance through ongoing professional development, training, and participation in activities that strengthen board leadership. The recognition emphasizes the importance of collective board development and a shared commitment to the knowledge and skills necessary for effective school governance.
“We have a good Board of Education, with individuals dedicated to improving the quality of education for our children in Waukegan District 60,” said Board President Mr. Michael Rodriguez. “One key step in this process is engaging in the governance training and other professional development opportunities offered to Illinois School Boards by the IASB. I am proud of our Board for being willing to devote their time and efforts to making ours a stronger and more effective Board.”
In addition to the full Board's recognition, two Board of Education members received individual honors through IASB's Board Leader Recognition Program, which recognizes board members who demonstrate a commitment to professional development by participating in educational workshops, conferences, and other learning opportunities.
Senior Board Member Ms. Anita Hanna was recognized as a Legacy Annual Merit Board Leader. Ms. Hanna previously achieved Legacy Board Leader status, a distinction reserved for board members with more than 25 years of service who have also earned Distinguished Board Leader recognition. Her latest honor recognizes her continued commitment to professional development, as she has earned at least 40 additional points through IASB training and leadership activities over the past year.
Board Member Mr. Rick Riddle was recognized as a Distinguished Annual Merit Board Leader, in recognition of his continued participation in IASB professional development opportunities and his commitment to strengthening his knowledge and skills as a school board member.