The Baldrige Excellence Framework is a set of proven criteria, which, if followed and implemented correctly, helps organizations of all kinds throughout the world to systematically and continuously improve.
To be properly utilized, the criteria’s tenets must be considered and embedded into pretty much all of an organization’s systems and processes. In Illinois, Illinois Performance Excellence (ILPEx), formerly known as the Lincoln Foundation, is a not-for-profit organization that helps other organizations who utilize the Baldrige Excellence Framework identify strengths and key areas for improvement in their implementation of the Framework. This ultimately helps those organizations to be more effective, continuously improve, and produce sustainably high results.
CCSD93 uses the Baldrige Excellence Framework and works with ILPEx to help us to continuously improve as an organization. As part of working with ILPEx, CCSD93 has completed ILPEx applications in 2014, 2016, and 2019 (as well as with the Lincoln Foundation in 1997, 2001, and 2007), describing its use of the Baldrige Excellence Framework across the organization.
As a result of each application, a team of ILPEx examiners perform a corresponding site visit with CCSD93. During that time, the examiners visit CCSD93’s facilities to observe our practices and find out more about CCSD93. After each site visit, CCSD93 is provided with a list of strengths and key areas for improvement from their findings. These are used to help CCSD93 to become a better, stronger organization.
Additionally, as a part of the application and site visit process, awards are given to organizations based on how effectively an organization utilizes the Baldrige Excellence Framework. In 2014, CCSD93 received a Bronze Award for Commitment to Excellence, and in 2016, CCSD93 received a Silver Award for Progress Toward Excellence.
