The National School Boards Association’s Council of Urban Boards of Education (CUBE) presented the 2024 Award for Urban School Excellence to Indiana’s South Bend Community School Corporation. This prestigious award honors school boards that demonstrate significant growth, innovative policy leadership, and a strong commitment to serving as models for other urban districts. The award was announced during the 2024 CUBE Annual Conference in Las Vegas on October 29, before an audience of nearly 1,000 urban school board members and education leaders.

“On behalf of CUBE, I extend a heartfelt congratulations to the South Bend Community School Corporation,” said Gill Garrett, CUBE Chair and board member of the Pontiac School District in Michigan. “Their commitment to fostering academic improvement, educational equity, and community engagement serves as a beacon of excellence in urban education. The South Bend Community School Corporation not only embodies the values and mission of CUBE, they inspire us to continue striving for excellence in urban education.”

As the oldest and largest school corporation in St. Joseph County, Indiana, South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC) has made significant progress in addressing literacy, school safety, and graduation rates, particularly for African American students, reflecting its unwavering focus on equity and inclusion. The district has strategically invested in initiatives to support student success, including a $220 million referendum for school improvements, teacher raises, and programs to boost literacy and graduation rates. The district’s notable achievements include its highest high school graduation rate in a decade (86.17%), with a 15% increase in African American student graduation rates.

Additionally, the district has expanded internet access through the Citywide Classroom program, providing free, high-quality internet for St. Joseph County. This illustrates SBCSC's innovative approach to bridging the digital divide by leveraging technology to enhance equity, improve student learning outcomes, and increase access to resources for all students. The establishment of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Department reflects SBCSC's proactive approach to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in its classrooms and administrative offices.

Superintendent Dr. C. Todd Cummings' leadership in creating this department exemplifies the district's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all students and staff feel valued and represented.

CUBE CHAIR GILL GARRETT, NSBA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR VERJEANA MCCOTTER-JACOBS, SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION (SBCSC) SUPERINTENDENT DR. C. TODD CUMMINGS, SBCSC BOARD MEMBER JOHN ANELLA, NSBA SECRETARY-TREASURER STEVE CORONA

"As we celebrate receiving the CUBE Award, we recognize that this honor reflects our Board's tireless efforts in championing bold and student-focused leadership,” said Dr. Cummings. “Their innovative strategies drive transformative change, creating a profound and lasting impact on our students and the entire community."

“The South Bend Community School Corporation’s unwavering commitment to innovation, equity, and excellence is a shining example of what can be achieved when education leaders work together to elevate the potential of all students,” said Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs, Executive Director and CEO of the National School Boards Association. “Their dedication to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and high-achieving environment sets a high standard for urban school districts nationwide, and we are proud to recognize their remarkable achievements with the 2024 Award for Urban School Excellence.”