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Education Elevat g We continue our series highlighting tremendous educators across Illinois who have given their time and energy to ele- vating the superintendency and public education as a whole. Each month, we will feature two educators who are going the extra mile and truly making a difference beyond their school districts and local communities. While we are aware of many of the contributions administrators are making, we are open to any suggestions for someone to feature next month. To make a recommendation, contact Jason Nevel, IASA Director of Social Media and Publications, at jnevel@iasaedu.org or by calling 217–753–2213.

JenniferGill Springfield SD#186

Dr. ThomasMahoney Oregon CUSD#220

Who: Jennifer Gill What: Instrumental in passing Sangamon County School Facilities Sales Tax in 2018; Increased enrollment in Advanced Placement courses through partnership with Equal Opportunity Schools; Increased the adoption of AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) structures at elementary level;

Who: Dr. Thomas Mahoney What: Lee and Ogle County Leadership Academy; Enneagram framework. Where: Oregon CUSD #220, Northwest Region. When: Superintendent of Oregon CUSD #220 for 12 years. Why: The best lesson Dr. Thomas

Mahoney ever learned about leadership is to look inward first. “My belief is, the most important thing a leader can do is to know themselves,” Dr. Mahoney said. “I know I take me with me wherever I go. It’s of the utmost importance that I understand myself, my motivations and my behaviors. Having a deep understanding of myself will help me lead and influence others.” Helping leaders grow and better understand themselves has been Dr. Mahoney’s passion. He founded the Lee and Ogle County Leadership Academy in 2012. The program is designed to support teacher leaders and current principals.

Developed Memorial Choice health services partnership; Presenter at IASA Annual and New Superintendents conferences. Where: Springfield SD #186, Abe Lincoln Region. When: Superintendent of Springfield SD #186 for eight years. Why: Throughout her career, Jennifer Gill has worked relentlessly to make the town she grew up in a better place. In 2018, voters approved the first increase in school funding in 34 years in Sangamon County via the passage of the countywide 1 percent sales tax. Gill was instrumental in passing the measure, which will benefit Springfield SD #186 and all Sangamon County school districts.

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LM Summer 2021