Exemplary Governance Awards
The Exemplary Governance Awards program recognizes school board members for their ongoing efforts to render effective and efficient service.
Shool board membership represents a challenging responsibility because of the vital and important role that public schools play for our communities and for Indiana.
The Indiana School Boards Association created the Exemplary Governance Awards (EGA) program to honor school board members who exhibit an outstanding commitment to student success, educational leadership, and good governance by engaging in regular and ongoing professional learning and continuous development.
The Indiana School Boards Association created the Exemplary Governance Awards (EGA) program to honor school board members who exhibit an outstanding commitment to student success, educational leadership, and good governance by engaging in regular and ongoing professional learning and continuous development.
Individual Awards
Individual awards are based on points accumulated through attendance at ISBA events and activities. There are four levels of EGA distinction – Commendable, Advanced, Distinguished, and Exemplary. Each award level builds on the foundations of the prior level.
Individual awards are based on points accumulated through attendance at ISBA events and activities. There are four levels of EGA distinction – Commendable, Advanced, Distinguished, and Exemplary. Each award level builds on the foundations of the prior level.
- Commendable – 75 points
- Advanced – 125 points
- Distinguished – 175 points
- Exemplary – 225 points
Board Awards
Board awards are based on the collective EGA status of individual board members, as well as the completion of certain additional criteria as a unit.
Board awards are based on the collective EGA status of individual board members, as well as the completion of certain additional criteria as a unit.
- Commendable – A majority of the board members must attain Commendable individual status
- Advanced – Board must complete an annual self-assessment with ISBA before December 31 and a majority of board members must attain Commendable individual status
- Distinguished – Distinguished boards must be second year Advanced boards. Each member must earn a minimum of 25 additional EGA points per year, including points earned by attending one or more Core electives. The board must also show evidence of a board retreat with an outside facilitator and complete an annual self-assessment with ISBA before December 31
- Exemplary – The highest award a school board can earn from ISBA is the Exemplary Governance Award. Detailed criteria for earning the Exemplary board award can be found here.
Board members automatically receive EGA points for attending ISBA events/activities. Up to 10 EGA points per year are possible from outside functions. To request EGA points for non-ISBA meetings/activities, please complete and return the application below.

For further information contact:
Haley Crnarich, Events and Promotions Specialist
Email: hcrnarich@isba-ind.org
Haley Crnarich, Events and Promotions Specialist
Email: hcrnarich@isba-ind.org