Exemplary Governance Awards
The purpose of the Exemplary Governance Awards program is to encourage school boards and school board members to engage in continuous learning in their role as school governance leaders for public education.
School 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 initiated the Exemplary Governance Awards (EGA) program to recognize individual board members and entire boards who exhibit a commitment to student success and good governance by engaging in regular and ongoing professional learning and development.
The Indiana School Boards Association initiated the Exemplary Governance Awards (EGA) program to recognize individual board members and entire boards who exhibit a commitment to student success and good governance by engaging in regular and ongoing professional learning and 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.
The point requirements for each award level are as follows:
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.
The point requirements for each award level are as follows:
- Commendable (Level 1) – 75 points
- Advanced (Level 2) – 125 points
- Distinguished (Level 3) – 175 points
- Exemplary (Level 4) - 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.
Requirements for each level are:
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.
Requirements for each level are:
- Commendable (Level 1) – A majority of board members attain Commendable individual status
- Advanced (Level 2) – All board members attain Commendable individual status
- Distinguished (Level 3) – Distinguished boards are second year Advanced boards, and each board member must also earn a minimum of 25 additional EGA points. The board must also show evidence of a board retreat with an outside facilitator and complete an annual self-assessment with ISBA
- Exemplary (Level 4) – The highest award a school board can earn from ISBA is the Exemplary Governance Award. Click here for details on the criteria for earning the Exemplary board award.
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. Please note that EGA points for ISBA events and activities are always automatically applied.

Contact:
Haley Crnarich
Events and Promotions Specialist
Phone: 317-639-3590
Email: hcrnarich@isba-ind.org
Haley Crnarich
Events and Promotions Specialist
Phone: 317-639-3590
Email: hcrnarich@isba-ind.org