Palos 118 School Board Recognized for Effective Governance Practices

The Palos 118 school board has been recognized by the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) with its School Board Governance award.

The School Board Governance Recognition program acknowledges school boards that practice effective governance behaviors as identified in IASB’s Foundational Principles of Effective Governance guidelines.

The Palos 118 board was previously recognized by the IASB for its best practices in 2022.

Palos 118 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anthony Scarsella pointed to the current board’s many achievements which includes establishment of an orientation process for newly elected board members, a new superintendent evaluation system, implementation of board member self-evaluation practices, and creating board governing commitments.

He also noted, that in 2023, the Board voted to place an initiative before voters on the March 4 ballot that resulted in the passage of a referendum that ensured free full-day kindergarten for all, a balanced budget, favorable class sizes, and secured $2 million per year in operating funds for yearly capital improvements to school facilities.

“Understanding the importance of planning for the future, the Board asked our school community to allow the District to shift funds from our debt service fund to our operating fund and end reliance on borrowing for school facility upkeep,” said Dr. Scarsella.

He also noted the work the board has conducted to create a “collegial, collaborative, efficient, and effective board of education that focuses on implementing best practices in school board governance and monitoring district performance.”

“Serving the families of District 118 has been a privilege,” said Palos 118 School Board President Pam Paris.

“The Board has worked collaboratively to implement and perfect systems that ensure we operate at an optimal level in order to provide exceptional educational services for our students,” she said.