Former D101 Board Member Receives State Board Of Education Award

Press release from Batavia Chamber of Commerce:

BATAVIA, IL — Chris Lowe, a former BPS101 Board of Education member, has been awarded the prestigious Thomas Lay Burroughs Award for 2023 by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). This esteemed award recognizes outstanding contributions and commitment to educational equity and community engagement.

ISBE created the Burroughs Award in 1991 in memory of the late ISBE Chairman Thomas Lay Burroughs. The award recognizes extraordinary local leadership, particularly in improving student learning, closing achievement gaps, and supporting educational excellence; expanding educational opportunities for underserved students; and/or resolving a crisis or significant difficulty with the result of more equitable outcomes for students.

Awardees are recognized at the Joint Annual Conference (Triple I), hosted by the Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Association of School Business Officials, and Illinois Association of School Administrators in Chicago.

During his eight year term as a school board member, Chris Lowe championed the importance of civic engagement and amplifying community voices. Lowe reflected on his experience, "I spent most of my experience as a school board member encouraging people to use their voice. I taught them about the chain of command. I encouraged them to learn how to have their voices heard."

Dr. Steven Isoye, Chair of the Illinois State Board of Education, commended Lowe's dedication to inclusivity and fostering dialogues on equity within the community. Dr. Isoye remarked, "Mr. Lowe, what stood out was your dedication to inclusivity and fostering dialogue about equity within the community."

Nominator Amber Jersa highlighted Lowe's leadership style: "Chris Lowe’s leadership has been transformative for our community. His ability to inspire change, facilitate dialogue, and create pathways for equitable outcomes is unparalleled. Every school board needs a Chris Lowe.”

The ISBE Thomas Lay Burroughs Award is a testament to Chris Lowe's unwavering commitment to educational equity and community involvement. His efforts have left a lasting impact on the BPS101 district and beyond.

Chris Lowe continues to be a driving force in advocating for equitable education and fostering inclusive communities through non-profit work. His dedication serves as an inspiration for educators, policymakers, and community leaders across the state.

This press release was produced by Batavia Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.