Park Ridge-Niles District 64's school board earned the Illinois Association of School Boards' (IASB) 2026 Governance Recognition, one of 53 boards statewide to receive the honor. The district announced the award this week.
The two-year distinction, which the board will hold through summer 2028, honors boards that demonstrate effective governance practices grounded in the IASB's Foundational Principles of Effective Governance. The program evaluates full board development, continuous learning and district oversight. Both the full board and superintendent must participate to qualify.
The number of recipients grew this cycle. In 2024, 46 boards earned the award. In 2025, 42 did. This year's class of 53 is the largest group in the past three cycles, according to the IASB's announcement.
The IASB, a voluntary nonprofit organized under the Illinois School Code, accepted applications through Aug. 1. Its Board Governance Recognition Committee reviewed submissions in September and notified recipients once selections were made.
"Their steady focus on our Strategic Plan and major construction projects keeps our district moving forward," Superintendent Ben Collins said in a statement.
Board President Matt Doubleday said the award reflects the work of teachers, staff, administrators and board members. He called it an example of "the unified focus and shared purpose that brings our entire D64 community together."
Collins also praised the board's dedication and said he was glad to see the work recognized at the state level.
District 64 serves about 4,500 students in Park Ridge and part of Niles. As of the board's Nov. 13, 2025, meeting, the seven members were Doubleday, Vice President Andrea Cline, Secretary Beth Rankin, Rachel Georgakis, Kurt Kuempel, Vicki Loise and Monica Milligan.
Board members will receive their official plaque, date tabs and member pins at the IASB's North Cook dinner Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Glenbrook High School. Milligan is also scheduled to lead a presentation on artificial intelligence at the event.
The IASB will acknowledge all 53 recipient boards again at its Joint Annual Conference in November.
