Helio Achievement Awards
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:
- Individual – Pathways and credentials for personal board member growth
- Whole Board – Recognition for teamwork and effective governance
- Exemplary Programs – Highlighting innovative district-wide initiatives
The Helio Awards celebrate boards that invest in professional development and are committed to excellence in governance. Learn more about the Effective Board Governance framework used to determine Helio Award winners.
-
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