18227 LM Nov-Dec 2018

Illinois Superintendent

of the Year

ctor of Communications

But Kelly didn’t see it that way, and still doesn’t, as he heads into the halfway point of his 22nd, and final, year as superintendent in DuQuoin. That’s because he still wanted to grow as a leader. Despite a distinguished career—culminating by being named 2019 Illinois Superintendent of the Year—Kelly spent eight weekends over the past two years in Springfield. He was one of 25 Illinois superintendents who participated in the ISAL IV Cohort, a professional development opportunity offered by IASA that focuses on building exemplary leadership skills, knowledge and skill sets essential for ensuring successful student achievement at the local level. Kelly, an educator for 33 years, saw the program as an opportunity to grow. “I did not want to be complacent,” he said. “I’m going to work just as hard in my last year as I did in my first year.” Deservingof Recognition That commitment to his craft is why both students and colleagues say Kelly is deserving of being named 2019 Illinois Superintendent of the Year. He was nominated by his peers in the Egyptian region based on the following criteria: leadership for learning, communication, professionalism and community involvement. He received the award in November at the Joint Annual Conference in Chicago.

According to DuQuoin CUSD #300 Board member Larry Valier, Kelly’s vision, leadership and caring attitude allowed the district to flourish from a facility, programmatic and financial standpoint. “Dr. Kelly is a student-focused leader who cares about our students and demonstrates that attitude at all times,” Valier said. “Our district’s motto of ‘Working Together for All Students’ is a derivative of his leadership style and determination to serve all students.” Teachers in DuQuoin also praise Kelly’s leadership style. Jean Ann Mathis, a longtime teacher and former president of the teacher’s union, described Kelly as being compassionate to family, faculty and community members. “He knows the families so well because he’s been here so long,” Mathis said. “He’s always checking on the kids because he truly cares about them.” Molly Dearmond, a senior at DuQuoin High School, broke her leg last year. Kelly regularly kept tabs on her recovery. “Every time he would come to school and ask about my recovery and how school was going,” she said. As for having the same enthusiasm in Year 22 as Year 1, Mathis witnessed it personally. “He is almost more energetic now,” she said. “He wants to make sure everything is just right for the next person.”

7

continued...