Zach Smith Howard, FTCSC School Board President, has been recognized by the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) with an Exemplary (Level 4) Exemplary Governance Award (EGA), the highest EGA honor, for calendar year 2025, for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to student success and professional learning.
President Smith Howard is one of only 314 school board members in the State of Indiana to earn an award through the EGA program this year.
The awards are conferred annually by ISBA across four levels of distinction, based on points earned for attending ISBA seminars, workshops, conferences, and other learning events. This year’s honorees include 124 Commendable Awards (Level 1), 71 Advanced Awards (Level 2), 60 Distinguished Awards (Level 3), and 59 Exemplary Awards (Level 4).
“I am humbled to be recognized by ISBA and grateful for their professional development, which has helped me become a better school board member and learn best practices for the benefit of FTCSC students and staff,” said FTCSC School Board President Zach Smith Howard.
“On behalf of ISBA, I would like to commend this dedicated group of school board members,” said ISBA Executive Director Terry Spradlin. “School boards perform a vital public service, and members who actively participate in professional learning are better equipped to govern effectively and meet the needs of students.”
President Smith Howard was formally recognized at ISBA’s Spring Region 8 Meeting on April 21, 2026, held in Indianapolis. Ryan Donovan, FTCSC School Board Vice President; Beth Yoder, FTCSC School Board Secretary; and Dr. Chase Huotari, FTCSC Superintendent, were also present at the Region 8 Spring Meeting.
“The Exemplary Governance Award is a testament to President Smith Howard’s unwavering dedication to the Franklin Township community,” said FTCSC Superintendent Dr. Chase Huotari. “Exceptional leadership sets the tone for a district, and his commitment to continuous, purposeful learning ensures that our students remain the top priority.”
For the full list of individual and board award recipients for the 2025 award year, please visit https://www.isba-ind.org/about/award-programs/ega.