Each year, the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) honors distinguished leaders for their exceptional contributions to improving education for all children. Up to three “Distinguished Service” awards are presented to state board members from across the country for their outstanding work in education. Additionally, one distinguished service award is given to a student board member or a member of a board’s student advisory council.
One award is given to non-board members: The “David A. Kysilko Award.” This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the work of a state board of education or to the efforts of NASBE, even though they are not state board members. Please note that the “Policy Leader of the Year” and “Friend of Education” awards are no longer awarded annually; instead, they are given at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
The Awards Committee values a diverse pool of excellent candidates when making their recommendations. We urge all NASBE member states to nominate at least one individual or organization in each award category. Simply being nominated is a great honor for those recognized. To learn more about the NASBE awards criteria, please click here.
The deadline for submitting NASBE award submissions is June 13, 2025. Winners are nationally recognized at NASBE’s Annual Conference each year. For any questions regarding award nominations, please contact Paolo DeMaria.
Distinguished Service Award(s):
This award recognizes the outstanding contributions to education made by state board of education members from across the country. NASBE members may nominate current or recently retired board members whose efforts on behalf of education are deemed to be of outstanding benefit to the quality of American education and the shaping of its future. Up to three awards may be given each year.
Distinguished Service Nomination Form
Distinguished Student Service Award:
This award recognizes the outstanding contributions made by a student member of a state board of education or student member of a state board student advisory council. This award is not required to be awarded if a candidate of sufficient merit is not among those recommended. A nominee for the Distinguished Student Service Award must be a current student member or a student member who has recently concluded their service.
Distinguished Student Service Nomination Form
David A. Kysilko Award:
This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to NASBE values and service of state boards of education. Current or former state board members are not eligible for this award. The focus of this award is on “unsung heroes”—service-oriented individuals who have often worked outside the spotlight and made significant contributions through their commitment, dedication, and service to the specific work of state boards of education, state education systems, or NASBE. This award is named after David Kysilko who was a longtime employee at NASBE in the position of editorial director. This award is not required to be awarded if a candidate of sufficient merit is not among those recommended.
David Kysilko Award Nomination Form
i
i
i