Iowa Safe Schools has announced that Dr. Tom Narak, Superintendent of the West Des Moines School District, has been selected as the first recipient of the Kathy Collins Reilly "Courage in Education" Award.  The award was created to recognize school administrators who create or further safer, more inclusive schools for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students in Iowa. 

The award is named in honor of Kathy Collins, a former teacher and later legal consultant for the Iowa Department of Education and School Administrators of Iowa. Collins has been a highly visible advocate of policies and practices to end bullying, harassment, and discrimination against LGBT students in Iowa schools.  She is a former board member and currently Honorary Co-Chair of the GLBT Youth in Iowa Schools Task Force.

The nominations for Dr. Narak cited his outstanding leadership in both West Des Moines and Indianola schools to create safe environments for all students, including LGBT.  Dr. Narak arranged for district-wide training to increase employees' awareness of the bullying issue. He encouraged students who sought to establish a Gay-Straight Alliance organization. He supported Valley High School's production of "The Laramie Project" over vocal opposition, stating publicly that working toward the elimination of bullying and harassment on the basis of sexual orientation is simply the "right thing to do," and anything that jeopardizes the safety and well-being of children in schools is "just wrong."

Leah Cole, a West Des Moines graduate, said, "With Dr. Narak as superintendent—and with the legacy he will one day leave—no GLBT student or ally need worry that bullying, harassment, or discrimination will be ignored.  Dr. Narak demonstrated courage as a new administrator in West Des Moines, and most recently in the face of community opposition."

Brad Clark, Executive Director of Iowa Safe Schools, said, "We are pleased to honor Dr. Narak.  He has demonstrated a strong commitment to create safer schools for all students.  His courage to stand up for gay and lesbian students is inspiring."  

The award will be presented at a luncheon during the 2007 Governor’s Conference on LGBT Youth, February 22, 2007, at Drake University.