Outstanding Board Service Award

Heather Reichenbach, president of the Warsaw Community Schools Board of Trustees, is the Outstanding Board Service Award winner for 2025. A former teacher and lifelong advocate for education, she has served on the Warsaw school board since January 2015. Now in her ninth consecutive year as board president, she is commended for fostering a culture of collaboration, respect, and open communication, while guiding the district as it adapts to changing demographics and needs. Reichenbach credits former board president Jennifer Tandy, her board colleagues, Warsaw Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert, and her parents, for shaping her leadership style. During her tenure, she has championed initiatives such as expanding professional development and tuition support for educators, helping launch and sustain the district’s dual language immersion program, establishing an employee health clinic, and efforts to ensure competitive salaries. She is most proud of the district’s broad academic and career opportunities for students, growth in STEM education aligned with local industry, Tiger Ambassador program, and strong partnerships with the community. Reichenbach said receiving the statewide honor is both humbling and deeply meaningful. “This award reflects the collective success of our district, the dedication of our staff, the commitment of my board colleagues, and the unwavering support of my husband, Brian, and our children, Jonah and Claire,” she said. “I hope my school board service highlights the vital role public schools play in building strong, vibrant communities.” Her advice to future board members is to “be more curious” – to ask questions with an open mind, always assuming good intentions. Looking ahead, her vision for the Warsaw Community Schools is that every student and staff member feels a sense of belonging at school, where they can grow and thrive in a supportive learning environment.

Allison Shook, president of the school board for the Plymouth Community School Corporation, is the Outstanding Board Service Award winner for 2024.

Allison’s leadership on the Plymouth Community School Board has been pivotal in promoting positive change, from championing solar projects that save on energy costs to guiding redistricting efforts that ensure every student in a K-4 building receives an equitable education. She has been a powerful advocate for establishing Pre-K and childcare programs.

As Director of the Marshall County Lifelong Learning Network, Allison has been the driving force behind the Marshall County Career Innovation Center, a multimillion-dollar project transforming career education opportunities for students across the region, as well as adults seeking additional workforce skills.

“As a school board member, I have worked to be a servant for our youth and an advocate for better opportunities for our students, staff, and community,” said Shook. “I truly am grateful and honored to be receiving this award.”