Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Heather Reichenbach, president of the Warsaw Community Schools Board of Trustees, has been named school board member of the year for 2025 by the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA).
A former teacher and lifelong advocate for education, she has served on the Warsaw School Board since January 2015, according to a news release from ISBA. 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.
The Indiana Outstanding Board Service Award is conferred annually by the ISBA to one school board member out of the 1,686 school board members in Indiana who exemplifies effective school board governance. Chosen by fellow school board members, the winner is recognized during the ISBA-IAPSS Annual Fall Conference at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
In addition to the statewide award, the following school board members were recognized as Regional Outstanding Board Service Award winners for each of ISBA’s 10 geographical regions:
Region 1 - Steve Kissel, River Forest Community School Corporation
Region 2 - Heather Reichenbach, Warsaw Community Schools
Region 3 - Leon Steury, Dekalb County Eastern Community Schools
Region 4 - Gary Braasch, Rensselaer Central School Corporation.
Region 5 - Robert Cochrane, Tipton Community School Corporation
Region 6 - Thomas Simpson, Yorktown Community Schools
Region 7 - Derek Morgan, Spencer-Owen Community School Corporation
Region 8 - Gloria Williams, M.S.D. of Warren Township
Region 9 - Jane Wilhelmus, Warrick County School Corporation
Region 10 - April Hauber, Clarksville Community School Corporation
