ISD School Board Member Receives Prestigious Award

ISD School Board Member Jill Esry has been honored with the Paul Morris Community Service Award. This award recognizes one outstanding individual each year in the state of Missouri who provides exemplary leadership through school board service and additional community service achievements and activities. Esry was selected based on her demonstrated commitment to public education and the scope of her overall service to the Independence community. Esry accepted the award Saturday night at the MSBA Annual Conference.

Jill Esry is a third-generation Independence resident and has made it her purpose in life to serve and help others.  Esry has served on the Independence School Board since April of 2010.  She served as Treasurer of the Board from April 2012 to April 2014. Esry currently serves as Vice President of the Board and has served in this role since April of 2014. Esry has dedicated more than two decades to the Independence School District through her service, including the Parent Teacher Association. She has been recognized as a PTA Lifetime Member by Sycamore Hills Elementary and Missouri PTA.  She is a past president for Sycamore Hills Elementary PTA and Bridger Middle School PTA. She also previously served on Truman High School’s PTA and as Vice President of the Independence Council of PTA’s.

Jill Esry’s passion for service shows in her commitment to Meals on Wheels in Independence.  She has served as a driver for 20 years. Esry served on the MOW Board of Directors for nine years, including three years as secretary.  Her service with MOW is much more than the weekly two hour time commitment.  It’s a dedication and heartfelt compassion for the people she serves. Jill Esry has also been a member of the Independence Junior Service League for 20 years, serving as Secretary of the Executive Board and Chair of several committees. She is currently a Sustaining member and serves on the Property Committee.  Her service also extends to the Truman Heartland Community Foundation. She is the Vice President of the Independence and Sugar Creek Advisory Board and serves on the Coalition for All Ages initiative sponsored by the Foundation.  Esry is a Cabinet member with Habitat for Humanity and a Board Member for CAPA – Child Abuse Prevention Association. Jill Esry was named Citizen of the year for Independence for 2014.