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Helio Achievement Awards

The HELIO Achievement Award logo features a stylized sun and text.

The Helio Achievement Awards celebrate Kansas school board members who shine brightly through their dedication to growth, leadership and service. Inspired by Helio — meaning “sun” — and the sunflower, our state flower, the Helio Awards honor those who consistently reach upward, seeking new knowledge and striving to strengthen their boards, schools and communities.

Objectives

  • Celebrate board members for their dedicated investment of time, energy and resources.
  • Recognize boards engaging in the necessary training to set the stage for success.
  • Provide leadership examples to inspire other boards statewide.

Levels of Recognition

The Helio Awards recognize achievement at three levels:

  1. Individual – Pathways and credentials for personal board member growth
  2. Whole Board – Recognition for teamwork and effective governance
  3. Exemplary Programs – Highlighting innovative district-wide initiatives

  • Board members complete virtual or in-person training pathways to earn Gold, Silver or Bronze achievement levels.

    • Areas of training recognized include advocacy, legal, leadership, negotiations, finance and boardsmanship.
    • Recognition tracked annually from Nov. 1-Oct. 31.

     

    Achievement Levels:

    • Gold (5 activities or Leadership for Tomorrow +1)
    • Silver (4 activities or Leadership for Tomorrow)
    • Bronze (3 activities)

    * No more than 2 activities can be completed on KASB+

     

    Recognition:

    • Individual Certificate of Achievement
    • Publication on KASB website
    • Listed on scrolling screen at KASB Convention
    • Special tag/badge to wear at KASB Convention

  • Awarded when the majority of the board engages in activities that strengthen its governance and align with the Eight Characteristics of Effective Boards.

    • Activities and training must fulfill each of three focus areas: Vision & Expectations, Accountability and Collaboration & Trust. (Some activities fall into more than one focus area)
    • Recognition is tracked biennially and resets with election years.

     

    Ex. Activities/Training (with KASB or on own):

    • Board Retreat
    • Board Self-Evaluation
    • Whole-Board Training
    • Establishing/Reviewing Strategic Plan
    • Superintendent Evaluation Training
    • Board Communication Plan
    • Onboarding new board members

    * Application for recognition required

     

    Recognition:

    • Plaque for display in boardroom
    • Digital badge for district website
    • Press release to local media
    • Stage recognition with photo at KASB Convention
    • Reduced cost for KASB Convention registration

  • Up to four districts recognized annually for standout programs that help to overcome shared challenges.

    • Programs must demonstrate collaboration among teachers, administration, board and community.
    • Programs must demonstrate success over time and be replicable in other districts.

     

    Additional Details:

    • Districts will be required to submit their program for consideration.
    • Selection criteria include the desire for varied geographic locations and district enrollment

     

    Recognition:

    • Plaque for display in boardroom
    • $500 monetary award to further sustain the program
    • Spotlight news story shared on social media and KASB website
    • Spotlight video shared at one of the general sessions at KASB Convention
    • Program breakout session presentation opportunity at KASB Convention
    • Special recognition at the District Showcase during KASB Convention
    • Special invitation to the President’s Reception at the KASB Convention