The District 120 School Board once again earned state recognition for their effective governance behaviors, the Illinois Association of School Boards announced.
The Board was one of 42 Illinois school districts honored with the School Board Governance Recognition. It recognizes the Board’s effective governance behaviors and their commitment toward obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively govern the district.
Boards of education that meet the necessary requirements are recognized for the two-year honorary distinction. District 120 has received it every two years since 2017.
“The Board of Education has done much over the last two years to deserve this recognition,” District 120 Superintendent Corey Tafoya said. “This is a dedicated group that focuses its attention on goals that lead to the best outcomes for students. Their organizational effectiveness has driven the improvements we’ve made at Mundelein High School.”
Since the Board was last recognized for effective governance in 2023, it has shown commitment to IASB Foundational Principles by broadening access for achievement to all students, reaching goals defined in the D120 Strategic Plan and breaking ground on a major facilities project.
The Board led a public effort to support a long-term facilities project at the high school. Board members worked closely with parents, community members and local organizations to reduce the scope of the proposal after an initial building bonds referendum failed. Following nearly 60 public meetings and a widespread information campaign, voters passed the $149.5 million bond issue in November 2024.
The Board also demonstrated progress toward meeting academic-based strategic goals such as expanding equitable access to advanced courses. The District was honored for its commitment to access and excellence for all students through its Advanced Placement Program. It also expanded its Career Pathways Program, putting more students on a path toward specific careers.
District 120 set the bar high for student success in performing arts. In both 2024 and 2025, Mundelein High School was named one of the Best Communities in Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation.
The Board will be formally recognized at the IASB’s annual conference in November and at the IASB division meetings in the spring of 2026.
IASB’s School Board Governance Recognition program acknowledges local boards of education that practice good governance behaviors as outlined by IASB's Foundational Principles of Effective Governance.