District 88 Board of Education earns IASB School Board Governance Recognition

District 88 is proud to share the district’s Board of Education has been recognized for its exceptional governance practices by the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB). The board members earned the School Board Governance Recognition, a two-year honorary distinction, for their effective governance behaviors and their commitment toward obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead the district. This is the second time the board has received this honor, as it was recognized in 2022 as well.

IASB’s School Board Governance Recognition program acknowledges local boards of education that practice good governance behaviors as outlined by IASB's Foundational Principles of Effective Governance. The purpose of the program is to show how good governance creates a positive impact for students, staff and the entire learning community. It provides an opportunity for districts to tell their story about programs and projects that are improving outcomes and offers board members a chance to highlight how continuous learning – by individual members and the full board – results in improved governance and benefits all stakeholders.

“I have seen firsthand how critical it is to have a board that’s informed, passionate, engaged, supportive, forward thinking and student centered,” said District 88 Board of Education President Donna Craft Cain, who has served on the board since 2004 and has been President since 2011. “In collaboration with the administration, staff, students, parents/guardians and communities, we have accomplished tremendous things for our pupils – including removing barriers, establishing policies that create an environment in which all students can succeed, and implementing programs and services to help ensure all students are college, career and culturally ready. To be recognized for those efforts by the IASB is rewarding, and it’s encouraging to know we are on the right track. There is a misconception that the work of a school board starts and stops with its regular board meetings. A majority of our work actually happens outside the meetings – studying the issues, engaging with the community, advocating on behalf of our district and learning the intricacies of school finance, just to name a few. Serving on the school board is a lot of work, but it’s worth it to see our students achieve success.”

The application process involved demonstrating how the board and district:

  • Communicate our mission, vision and goals to stakeholders

  • Engage in two-way communication with stakeholders

  • Conduct regular policy reviews and maintain a current, updated policy manual

  • Monitor progress toward district ends (mission, vision and goals) with the use of data

  • Implement an orientation process for newly seated board members

  • Collectively and individually take responsibility for continuous learning and development as a board

  • Positively impact outcomes for students and improve organizational effectiveness

    • We highlighted:
      • Our updated strategic plan (www.dupage88.net/strategicplan2013)

      • Our students’ successes in academics and extracurriculars (including our graduation rate and freshmen on track percentage being above the state level)

      • Our focus on expanding and enhancing college and career pathways, to help all of our students find success (we offer a comprehensive curriculum, including more than 30 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and more than 50 Dual-Credit/Collegiate-Credit courses in 17 career pathway areas, along with award-winning fine arts programming)

      • Our commitment to elevating the academic literacy (reading and writing) of all of our students

      • Our priority to ensure all students, staff and community members feel safe, valued, respected and welcome

      • Our academic and mental health/social-emotional services/programs, to help support the well-being of our students

      • Our commitment to providing a high-quality learning environment (including facilities), while maintaining fiscal responsibility

School Board Governance Recognition acknowledges school boards that have engaged in activities that lead to excellence in local school governance in support of quality public education. Boards are honored for learning and practicing effective governance behaviors, through participation in and support for board development programs and events. For more information, go to https://www.iasb.com/memberships-and-divisions/awards-and-recognition/school-board-governance-recognition.

Earning the IASB School Board Governance Recognition is a point of pride for District 88 and its learning community, as it shows the board’s dedication to maintaining a high-quality experience for students and families. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in accomplishing our mission and vision.