SPRINGFIELD – Illinois education leaders are coming together at noon today (Thursday) to honor some of the state’s top school district superintendents and principals. The Illinois State Board of Education will host the second annual recognition event at The Inn at 835 for 27 exemplary school leaders.
“District and school administrators carry out a variety of responsibilities each and every day,” said State Superintendent of Education Tony Smith, Ph.D. “Their commitment to going the extra mile to help students be successful learners inspires us all and we want to publicly thank them for their dedication.”
Regional colleagues annually select their local “Superintendents of Distinction.”
“Public education is facing some of its most difficult times, and that is when leadership is most important,” said Brent Clark, Ph.D., executive director of IASA. “These Superintendents of Distinction were selected by their peers in their regions because of the dedication, commitment, and leadership they have demonstrated.”
Horace Mann, a national insurer focusing on education; the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA); and the Illinois Principal Association (IPA), are co-sponsoring the event with ISBE to honor many regional leaders on a statewide basis.
“Each year, educators face growing challenges, and this year is no exception. Despite these challenges, superintendents constantly find ways to make their districts successful,” said Marita Zuraitis, Horace Mann president and chief executive officer. “We are proud to recognize the Superintendents of Distinction and applaud their efforts to provide outstanding educational environments for their students and teachers.”
IPA encourages community members, teachers, administrators, and board members to nominate outstanding principals and assistant principals within their regions. Regional winners move on to the state level, where a committee of past IPA presidents selects an Elementary Principal of the Year, a Middle School/Junior High School Principal of the Year, a High School Principal of the Year, and an Assistant Principal of the Year.
“Outstanding school leadership is critical to the success of schools and their students,” said Jason Leahy, executive director of IPA. “These individuals are to be commended for their efforts and dedication to the students they serve.”
The following administrators will be recognized at Thursday’s luncheon:
|
Educator |
Recognition |
Organization |
District/School |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dr. Chad Allison |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
IL Valley Central USD 321, Chillicothe |
|
Joe Burgess |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
Genoa-Kingston CUSD 424, Genoa |
|
Reginald Clinton |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
Beardstown CUSD 15, Beardstown |
|
Dr. Daniel Coles |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
Wauconda CUSD 118, Wauconda |
|
Kaye Corrigan |
Assistant Principal of the Year |
Illinois Principals Association |
Naperville CUSD 203, Naperville |
|
William Fritcher |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
Teutopolis CUSD 50, Teutopolis |
|
Dr. Judith Hackett |
Illinois Superintendent of the Year |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization, Mount Prospect |
|
Dr. Dale Hastings |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
Milford Area Public Schools District 124, Milford |
|
Dr. Jonathan Heerboth |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
West Prairie CUSD 103, Colchester |
|
Tony Ingold |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
East Peoria SD 86, East Peoria |
|
Michael Kelly |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
Carlinville CUSD 1, Carlinville |
|
Dr. Dave Kroeze |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
Northbrook ESD 27, Northbrook |
|
Steve Lee |
Illinois Middle School Principal of the Year |
Illinois Principals Association |
Prospect Heights SD 23, Prospect Heights |
|
Leigh Lewis |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
Triad CUSD 2, Troy |
|
Craig Mathers |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
West Carroll CUSD 314, Mount Carroll |
|
Jay McCracken |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
Putnam County CUSD 535, Granville |
|
Sara McDonald |
Illinois Elementary School Principal of the Year |
Illinois Principals Association |
Peru ESD 124, Peru |
|
Jeff Mitchell |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
Wayne City CUSD 100, Wayne City |
|
Dr. Jay Morrow |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
United Township HSD 30, East Moline |
|
Dr. Kimako Patterson |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
Prairie-Hills ESD 144, Markham |
|
Dr. Kathie Pierce |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
Fenton CUSD 100, Bensenville |
|
Dr. Jay Plese |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
Wilmington CUSD 209-U, Wilmington |
|
Dr. Nick Polyak |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
Leyden CHSD 212, Franklin Park |
|
Gary Steiger |
Illinois High School Principal of the Year |
Illinois Principals Association |
Township HSD 211, Palatine |
|
Dr. Steve Webb |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
Goreville CUSD 1, Goreville |
|
Victor White III |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
Prairieview-Ogden CCSD 197, Royal |
|
Dr. Vic Zimmerman |
Superintendent of Distinction |
Illinois Association of School Administrators |
Monticello CUSD 25, Monticello |
--
John