LM Jan 2025

Education Elevat g Dr. Mary Henderson Roselle SD #12 Who: Dr. Mary Henderson, Superintendent

Dr. Jay Morrow United Twp HSD #30

Who: Dr. Jay Morrow, Superintendent

What: Expanded social-emotional support through partnership with Closegap; Increased professional learning opportunities for teachers; Strengthened school safety measures; Advocate for Women in Leadership; Mentors new superintendents; IASA Regional President.

What: Improved the graduation rate; Expanded programming and supports so students are more prepared to enter college, career or military after graduation; Established partnerships with businesses and expanded career pathways; Oversaw increase in number of students earning Seal of Biliteracy; Helped reimagine

Where: Roselle SD #12, DuPage Region When: Superintendent of Roselle SD #12 for six years. Why: In the wake of the pandemic, Dr. Mary Henderson observed a pressing need in Roselle SD #12 to provide another layer of social-emotional support for students. The preK-8 district of about 700 students partnered with the nonprofit Closegap to implement an innovative mental health initiative. The centerpiece is a daily digital check-in system where students can share their emotional state and energy levels with staff, allowing for more responsive and personalized support. “It’s paid great dividends,” Dr. Henderson said. “Our social workers are alerted right away if there’s an immediate need for a check in. There have been three to five instances of emergency mental health referrals to date. Our ability to have a pulse on student mental health, and create a stronger sense of belonging for everyone, has improved greatly.” Roselle SD #12 has expanded personalized professional learning experiences for teachers, a significant amount of which are younger mothers. The district offers teachers opportunities to engage in professional learning in the

alternative education in the district; Served on Vision 2020 Workgroup, IASA Board of Directors and IASA COVID-19 Task Force. Where: United Twp HSD #30, Blackhawk When: Superintendent of United Twp HSD #30 for 18 years. Why: Drawing from his own journey as a first-generation college student, Dr. Jay Morrow has dedicated his career to opening doors for others facing similar barriers. “Education was a pathway for me,” Dr. Morrow said. “I grew up in a modest community and had teachers and administrators who were instrumental in shaping my life. I want to pay that forward. I have a tremendous opportunity at United Township because we serve a large population of students from difficult and diverse backgrounds. I view this as a calling and feel honored and privileged to have had such a long career here.” When he was hired as superintendent 18 years ago, improving the graduation rate was a top priority. The rate hovered between 70 to 80 percent, a level Dr. Morrow viewed as unacceptable.

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LM Jan 2025