Niles Township High School District 219 (D219) has earned the prestigious Meritorious Budget Award from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. D219 received this national recognition for its commitment to clear, transparent, and high-quality budget presentation. The highly regarded award underscores D219’s dedication to responsible financial stewardship.

ASBO International’s Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) program sets the standard for excellence in school budget development and communication. Designed to help school business professionals enhance their financial planning skills, the program ensures that district budgets are not only comprehensive but also accessible and informative for stakeholders.

“We are incredibly proud that our fiscal accountability contributes to positive student outcomes throughout the district,” said Jim Vreeland, D219 Assistant Superintendent for Business. “Our business team is committed to consistently reaching the highest standards in budget practices.”

To achieve this distinction, school districts submit their budget documents for a rigorous peer review process conducted by experienced school finance professionals. Each submission is carefully evaluated against ASBO International’s MBA Criteria Checklist, and districts receive valuable feedback to refine and strengthen their budget presentations.

“An effective school budget is more than just numbers—it’s a vital tool for building trust and engaging the community,” said Jim Rowan, CAE, SFO, Executive Director of ASBO International. “The Meritorious Budget Award recognizes districts like Niles Township High School District 219 that prioritize financial clarity and accountability. We commend their dedication to upholding nationally recognized budget presentation standards.”

ASBO International is a nonprofit organization, representing a global network of approximately 30,000 school business professionals. Its members shape education by expertly managing resources that directly impact school systems. ASBO International’s Meritorious Budget Award program is sponsored by Voya. For more information about the award program, visit asbointl.org/MBA.