School Leaders ‘Light the Way’ at 2025 Conference
Awards presented for Outstanding School Board Member, Superintendent of the Year, Exemplary District/Board Secretary, Outstanding School Business Official, Risk Management, and School Design Projects.
Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award
Amanda Callaway, administrative assistant to the superintendent and board of education and district office manager for Oregon CUSD 220, has been named the winner of the 2025 Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award. The annual award recognizes administrative professionals and board secretaries for performance, initiative, innovation, passion, staff development, and dedication to the district, community, and students. Callaway was presented with the award on November 22 during the opening session of the Administrative Professionals’ Program.
Ronald E. Everett Distinguished Service Award
Arnett Harvey, Ed.L., assistant superintendent of Cahokia CUSD 187, was the recipient of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (Illinois ASBO) Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals for their diligence, superior performance, and achievement in service to the school business public.
In nominating Harvey for the award, colleagues cited his caring nature, devotion and loyalty, and dedicated advocacy for the children of the district. “Dr. Harvey has made a huge impact in our district for well over 30 years by exemplifying the standards of excellence and dedication to Cahokia Unit School District 187,” said Cahokia Superintendent Curtis McCall, Jr. “Dr. Harvey is a true testament to hard work, and he exemplifies what it means to be a true leader.”
The Distinguished Service Award was presented during the Second General Session on Saturday morning.
2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year
During the Third General Session on Sunday, November 23, the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA) named the 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year. Nicholas Polyak, Ed.D, superintendent of Leyden CHSD 212, was honored with the award after being selected by an independent panel which cited his exceptional leadership, visionary initiatives, and unwavering commitment to educational excellence at the local, state, and national levels.
Leyden CHSD 212 Board President Greg Ignoffo praised Polyak’s dedication and ability to confront difficult decisions head-on. “Dr. Polyak’s recognition as the 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year is a testament to his dedication to student success, equity, innovation, and the development of future leaders in education,” said Ignoffo. “Being a superintendent isn’t a job, it’s a calling. This is a 24/7/365 job, and we know that he is wrestling with monumental decisions on where we are going with our district, our students, and our community, and he just makes it look so simple.”
Polyak, who was also a 2024 Joint Annual Conference keynote speaker, spoke to a packed room while accepting the award during the Third General Session.
“I haven’t done any of this alone. I’m incredibly grateful to my colleagues, mentors, and friends across Illinois and beyond who have supported and inspired me,” said Polyak. “I am also truly blessed to serve as the Superintendent at Leyden, where the board, teachers, and staff are the reason we are able to accomplish such innovative programs for kids. I can’t wait to see where they want to go next, and how I can support them in their pursuits of excellence.”
Thomas Lay Burroughs Award for Outstanding School Board Member
Also on the final day of Conference, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) presented the Thomas Lay Burroughs Award for Outstanding School Board Member. Dora King, chair of the North Chicago CUSD 187 board, was named the 2025 Burroughs Award winner.
In presenting King with the Award, ISBE Board Chair Steven Isoye, Ed.D., spoke of King’s steady leadership working to stabilize district operations and her commitment to student achievement as demonstrated by the rapid growth in district graduation rates. Isoye referred to her ability to rebuild trust between the district and community, and her devotion to ensure “every student feels seen, supported, and encouraged to aim higher.”
The Burroughs Award recognizes school board members who demonstrate achievements including enhancing student learning, narrowing achievement gaps, promoting educational excellence, broadening educational opportunities for underserved students, and addressing major challenges resulting in more equitable outcomes for students.
David Binotti Risk Management Award
Presented by Workers’ Compensation Self-Insurance Trust (WCSIT), an IASB-Sponsored Program, the David Binotti Risk Management Award honors a member school district that has worked to demonstrate a commitment to risk management and loss control.
Citing her 30-plus years of experience and steady, thoughtful leadership, Barbara Thompson, chairperson of the Illinois School District Agency (ISDA) and Fisher CUSD 10 superintendent, was presented the award during the First General Session.
Exhibition Educational Environments
Outstanding school designs were also showcased during the opening General Session of Conference. The Exhibition of Educational Environments recognizes impactful examples of school design and planning. A jury of architects and school administrators evaluated at criteria including challenges met, design, energy use reduction, safety, and how well each facility meets the educational needs of students.
Seven design projects received awards, with two earning the top Award of Distinction honor. BLDD Architects, Inc. was recognized for work with Springfield SD 186 at Lanphier High School and DLA Architects, Ltd. for their design of the Homewood-Flossmoor High School Science Addition at Homewood-Flossmoor CHSD 233.
Twenty-four projects were submitted for the Exhibition, and all were on display for Conference attendees to view.