Gill Encourages Residents to Nominate Outstanding School Board Members for Annual ISBE Award

CHICAGO – State Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, is calling on residents who know an outstanding school board member to nominate them for the Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) Thomas Lay Burroughs Award – an annual recognition that celebrates a local school board member for their extraordinary leadership on behalf of education.

“This is an opportunity to highlight our educational leaders who go above and beyond to support our schools and students,” Gill said. “There are some excellent candidates from our local communities, and I encourage interested residents to make their voice heard and submit their nomination soon with the deadline fast approaching.”

ISBE is accepting nominations for the award through close of business on Friday, Oct. 18. Potential nominations must have served on a local school board in 2024, and should meet the outlined criteria the award recognizes, including personal leadership in:

– Improving student learning, closing achievement gaps and supporting educational excellence;
and/or
– Expanding educational opportunities for underserved students; and/or
– Resolving a crisis or major difficulty with the result of more equitable outcomes for students.

The award was created in 1991 in memory of the late ISBE Chairman Tom Burroughs and is intended to recognize those who reflect his characteristics in support of education in Illinois.

Additional information about the award and a link to nominate can be found at https://www.isbe.net/Pages/thomas-lay-burroughs-award.aspx.

For more information, please contact RepMaryGill@gmail.com.