Education leaders recognized for commitment to learning

DES MOINES — Two school board members in Jasper County were awarded for their educational leadership.

Robyn Friedman of the Newton Community School District and Mary Poulter of Colfax-Mingo Schools both received the individual achievement award from the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB). They were among 73 board members across the stated to be recognized for earning a minimum of 100 credits in one year.

In addition the IASB honored five board teams, seven superintendents and one chief administrator with a 2019-20 Better Boardsmanship Award. The annual awards are given to individuals and teams who dedicate time and effort to learning, advocacy, leadership and service projects to expand their knowledge and skills for better governance.

“The pandemic has presented many challenges to public schools, and school leaders have risen to meet these challenges with innovation, solutions and support. We commend these award winners for tirelessly working for Iowa students, while finding time to invest in their own learning,” the IASB said in a press release.

These awards, normally presented during the IASB Annual Convention in November, were mailed to winners due to the virtual format of the event.