District 58’s Assistant Superintendent for Business Drafall earned this award for his advocacy of public education, and, in particular, for his work to improve the quality of food in Illinois schools
The Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO) awarded District 58 Assistant Superintendent for Business and Chief School Business Official Todd Drafall with the prestigious Michael A. Jacoby Advocacy Award. This award is given to Illinois school business officials who exhibit a passion for improving educational legislation and advocacy efforts, among other attributes.
Through his work with IASBO, Drafall led a multi-year legislative advocacy effort to improve the quality of public school food in Illinois. Thanks to his efforts, Illinois House Bill 4813 was passed in 2022. This bill gave Illinois school districts, including District 58, the ability to consider food quality, food taste, vendor reputation and other variables when reviewing school district food service bids. Prior to this bill, school districts were required to accept the lowest food service bidder, which did not necessarily yield the most nutritious or desirable food options.
Drafall’s award is named in honor of Dr. Michael A. Jacoby, a retired educator and former executive director of IASBO who led several legislative advocacy efforts to improve Illinois education. Dr. Jacoby reflected on Drafall’s work to improve public school food quality in Illinois.
“Probably his biggest achievement on the advocacy front is the one that just happened recently, and that had to do with making a change to the bidding requirements for the National School Lunch Program,” Dr. Jacoby said. “It takes years to push those kinds of things through the legislature and many don’t make it. And he stayed with that one. He kept on it. He was dedicated to it. And in the end, it came through. So we now have a better playing field for kids in terms of quality of lunches in Illinois, primarily because of Todd’s diligent work on that particular bill.”
Drafall has served as District 58’s assistant superintendent for business and chief school business official for seven years. In this role, he helped balance District 58’s budget, develop a five-year financial plan, implement a 35% fund balance policy, and address budget challenges. He also worked with a team to develop the District 58 referendum budget. Prior to District 58, Drafall held business and financial leadership positions in three nearby school districts, and he also served as the tax department manager for the Kane County Clerk’s Office. Drafall plans to retire in summer 2025.
“Todd’s work has been instrumental in changing how food contracts are awarded in Illinois. His work has helped improve the quality of meals for all students, and I am very proud of his accomplishments, both in District 58 and for IASBO,” said District 58 Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell. “I thank him for his seven years of service with District 58, and I wish him the very best in retirement!”
IASBO formally celebrated Drafall’s award during its Annual Conference earlier this month.
Click here to view a short video from IASBO regarding Drafall’s award.