State Board, Horace Mann, IASA, and IPA Recognize More Than 25 Outstanding Administrators -

Share with:

Superintendents and principals from across the state honored for their expertise and leadership

SPRINGFIELD, IL – 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