The Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) awarded the Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 Board of Education the 2025 IASB School Board Governance Recognition. This honor recognizes boards that demonstrate exemplary commitment to effective governance, continuous improvement, and service to students and the community. This marks the 5th District 123 Board Governance Award since 2015 (2015, 2019, 2021, 2023, & 2025).
This year, District 123 is one of only 42 school districts across the state to receive this recognition. With over 850 public school districts in the state of Illinois, this honor sets the D123 school board apart.
"Receiving the 2025 IASB School Board Governance Recognition for the fifth time is a powerful validation of our board’s unwavering commitment to the District 123 Strategic Plan. By prioritizing community voice and designing intentional governance structures, our Board ensures that every decision remains student-centered, adding immense value and stability to the entire Oak Lawn-Hometown community." — District 123 Superintendent, Dr. Paul Enderle
The District 123 Board was presented with the official plaque at the IASB South Cook Spring Dinner on March 4, 2026, and was listed among award recipients at the IASB Joint Annual Conference in November. This recognition reflects the Board’s steadfast dedication to high standards of leadership and aligns directly with our Strategic Plan’s commitment to strong governance in support of student success.
The effective practice of school governance is evaluated through IASB’s foundational principles and fundamental duties: clarifying a district's purpose, connecting with the community, employing a superintendent, delegating authority, monitoring performance, and taking responsibility for itself.
Every two years, the full board and superintendent are eligible for this award, and District 123 has consistently been recognized for showcasing strong leadership in the school community over the last decade. By receiving this award for the fifth time since 2015, the board continues to show a commitment to understanding the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for effective governance.