LM Jan 2025

Education Elevat g

Henderson ... cont’d. evenings and summertime to accommodate busy schedules. “Prior to COVID, numerous educators in our buildings could not participate in professional development because of scheduling and availability,” Dr. Henderson said. “Having that buy in from staff to engage in professional learning has a direct connection to improving student success.” Student safety is also a top priority in Roselle SD #12. The district invested in the Raptor Technologies school safety platform to modernize and streamline emergency management and communications — all while maintaining a strong fund balance. “We’re a small district so we have to be very efficient in our operations and programs,” Dr. Henderson said. “Through outsourcing things like custodial work, transportation, technology and having a strong relationship with our union, we keep the focus on student instruction.” Outside of Roselle SD #12, Dr. Henderson participated in IASA’s Elevate cohort for female superintendents. Establishing that connection with her female peers across the state has reinforced her commitment for veteran leaders to lift up younger female educators and encourage them to pursue a role in district administration. “I think, oftentimes, women wait until they check every box on the job requirements before applying for a position,” Dr. Henderson said. “We all know most people can’t check every box before they start. It’s important to tap our younger counterparts on the shoulder and let them know they would be great at this job.” Dr. Henderson also serves as Regional President and mentors new superintendents in the DuPage Region.

Morrow ... cont’d.

“We went right to work putting in a variety of supports for our students and have been able to maintain a rate above 90 percent ever since,” Dr. Morrow said. “I am also really proud that our Hispanic and African American student subgroups are graduating at a rate over 90 percent.” In recent years, Dr. Morrow has focused on what he refers to as a “value-added” degree. Students at United Twp HSD #30 can now earn over 30 college credit hours at no additional cost. Through its Area Career Center and partnerships with industry leaders like John Deere, the district has established five ISBE-approved career pathways and offers juniors and seniors hands-on apprenticeship opportunities during school hours. “Our goal is to have as many students as we possibly can gain additional skill sets beyond their high school diploma that gives them an extra advantage once they graduate from here,” Dr. Morrow said. United Twp HSD #30 has also expanded its efforts to help students obtain the state Seal of Biliteracy. The program recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and in one or more other foreign, or world, languages. Twenty-six students at United Twp HSD #30 obtained the designation last year in the languages of Spanish, French and Hakha Chin, spoken in Myanmar, India, and Bangladesh. Also at United Twp HSD #30, Dr. Morrow is proud of the district’s efforts to reimagine alternative education. The district’s program focuses on opportunities to teach students career and soft skills, hear guest speakers, take online classes and have access to additional support. “Every year at their graduation, I ask students if they would walk across the stage if they stayed in a traditional setting,” Dr. Morrow said. “Each student says no. It’s really unique, and I’m proud to provide a program that keeps these students on track.” Outside of United Twp HSD #30, Dr. Morrow served on the Vision 2020 Workgroup, IASA Board of Directors and IASA COVID-19 Task Force. He is also a member of numerous community groups, including the Rotary Club and United Way of the Quad-Cities Education Council.

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LM Jan 2025