Awards Programs
Excellence in Education Award
This award was established in 2012 to honor the retiring executive director, Carl W. Smith. It may be presented every other year (alternating with the MABE Distinguished Board Member Service Award) to an individual who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and service to excellence in public education in Maryland.
Please note:
- An individual must be nominated by three current board members to be a finalist – a primary nominator with the support of two additional board members. The three nominators need not come from the same board of education, but they must be members of MABE.
- Current and former local board members are ineligible for this award. (These individuals may be nominated for the MABE Distinguished Board Service Award which is exclusively for current or former local board members.)
- Candidates from previous years may be re-nominated; previous recipients of the award are ineligible.
- Responses to award criteria that exceed 1000 words will not be considered by the committee.
- Nominations received after the deadline will not be considered.
Please contact Frances Hughes Glendening, Executive Director, for further information.
Distinguished School Board Service Award
2023 Distinguished School Board Service Award Nomination Form
Is a current or former member of a Maryland school board deserving of MABE’s highest honor?
The Maryland Association of Boards of Education Distinguished School Board Service Award, inspired by the contributions made to the organization by MABE’s first full-time executive director, Charles W. Willis, represents recognition by peers of outstanding service at the local and state level. The award is limited to a single honoree biennially.
The MABE Awards Committee, made up of current board members from around the state, meets in May to determine the recipient. Their decision is based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrates a keen understanding of the role of a school board member
- Works collaboratively with fellow board members and staff
- Values diversity by advocating for the educational needs of all children
- Works proactively to foster community engagement with all education stakeholders
- Represents the school board and school system in an ethical and honorable manner
- Demonstrates leadership at the state or national level
Nomination forms will be sent to board offices and board presidents in January 2023; nominations close in April. (Specific dates vary year to year.)
As a board, please consider nominating a current or former Maryland school board member for this highest honor.
Please contact Frances Hughes Glendening, Executive Director, for further information.