Skip To Main Content

FSD79 Board of Education Earns Governance Recognition Honor

FSD79 Board of Education Earns Governance Recognition Honor
Fremont School District 79

Fremont School District 79’s Board of Education has been recognized for its exceptional governance practices by the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB). FSD79 was one of 46 Illinois school districts to earn the School Board Governance Recognition honor for their effective governance behaviors and commitment to obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary to lead the district effectively.  

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 focus of Governance Recognition is on full board development and participation. Boards that meet the necessary requirements are recognized for the two-year honorary distinction. This is the fourth consecutive cycle in which Fremont has earned the honor, having previously received it in 2018, 2020, and 2022.

“On behalf of our entire district, I extend heartfelt congratulations to our volunteer School Board for their exemplary governance standards, which have earned them this prestigious recognition,” FSD79 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Trisha Kocanda said. “The unwavering dedication to the District’s vision of excellence for our students, staff, and community is commendable.” 

Among the FSD79 Board of Education’s efforts during the 2023-24 school year were its participation in a pair of Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) community engagement workshops to develop a methodology for engaging with the community and our schools. Board members also join District administrators, teachers, parents and community members as part of the Steering Committee that is shaping the District’s Educational Long-Range Facility Plan (ELFP). FSD79’s board has also supported comprehensive recruitment and retention strategies to secure and retain high-quality staff to benefit students. 

FSD79’s seven-member Board of Education is led by President Gabriela Whipple. She is joined on the FSD79 Board by Vice President Pamela Shaw, Secretary Shawn Killackey, and members Michael Jandes, Aga Macoch, Maria Simoncelli, and Dave Whitson.

“We are honored to earn this recognition from the Illinois Association of School Boards,” Whipple said. “Our board is dedicated to ensuring that each student in our district receives the absolute highest quality education. The decisions that we make as a board impact all students, and we remain committed to strong fiscal stewardship and engagement with our Fremont community.”

More information about the IASB School Board Governance Recognition program can be found on the Illinois Association of School Boards website.

  • Awards
  • District
No post to display.