EGA

How the EGA Program Works

School board membership represents an important responsibility because of the vital role that public schools play for our communities and for the State of Indiana. ISBA is proud to recognize school boards and their members for exhibiting a commitment to student success and good governance through participation in regular and ongoing professional learning and development.

Preview of the Exemplary Governance Awards program guide document — EGA Program Guide (PDF)

Individual Awards

There are four levels of EGA distinction — Commendable, Advanced, Distinguished, and Exemplary. Each award level builds on the foundations of the prior level.

Individual award levels are based on points accumulated through attendance at ISBA seminars, workshops, conferences, and other learning events.

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 points earned by the individual board members, as well as the completion of certain additional criteria as a unit.

The requirements for the board awards are:

Commendable (Level 1) — A majority of board members attain Commendable individual status (75 points or more)
Advanced (Level 2) — All board members attain Commendable individual status (75 points or more)
Distinguished (Level 3) — Distinguished boards are second year Advanced boards. Each board member must 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 Board Award. Click here for details on the criteria for earning the Exemplary Board Award .

First Year & Partial Year Board Members

In order for a board to maintain its status when inducting a new member, that first year or partial year board member is subject to different criteria. Download first-year board member criteria (PDF) .

Submit Request for Non-ISBA EGA Points

Up to 10 EGA points per year are possible from outside functions. Please note that EGA points for ISBA events and activities are always automatically applied.

Form to Request non-ISBA EGA points