The GSBA Board Recognition Program is a three-tier process to achieve the highest level in board governance. The three recognition levels are Quality, Distinguished and Exemplary, with Exemplary being the highest level.
GSBA developed this program to reflect the state standards, which offers school boards additional ways to increase their effectiveness. The State Board of Education developed the state standards for governance that form the foundation for GSBA’s awards and recognition program.
Boards no longer must go through the 3 levels in succession. The board may apply for the level in which it meets all the criteria.
View the updated FY2022 Board Recognition criteria. All changes are highlighted in yellow.
In FY21 there were 13 Quality Boards, 5 Distinguished Boards, and 60 Exemplary Boards.
This Board Recognition Program requires a high level of commitment from school boards and individual members. The ultimate goal is to provide a platform based on governance standards which challenges boards, but creates a culture of success for students and communities.
GSBA’s Beacon award recognizes reporting on public education by people, representatives, or organizations whose coverage or projects over time (rather than a one-time article) has created an understanding of public education issues by informing the general public about programs, policies and/or issues affecting the public schools, students, and/or communities.
Reporting mechanisms include online publications, television programs, radio broadcasts, printed publications, podcasting, etc. The board of education must officially nominate and approve the nomination for a Beacon Award.
Please note: The purpose is not to congratulate school-related production from students or school employees.
GSBA will be utilizing Award Force, an online platform, to streamline this year’s application process. Applicants will have one location to fill out their information, upload supporting evidence, and save and edit their entries up until the deadline. If you have already created an account for a different program or application for GSBA, you do not have to create a new one. Simply log in with your existing username and select the Beacon Award application. If you have not previously created an account in Award Force, please do so when the application becomes available. If you would like to watch a demo of how the Award Force platform works, please click here.
Board Signature Document
*This must be signed and uploaded to the Beacon Award application
APPLICATION REMINDERS:
GSBA will continue the regular cycle for the Partnership Commendations, and Board Service Recognition. We offer a variety of other awards for school board members, superintendents and districts in Georgia: