AugLM2022

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. Dr. Nick Polyak Leyden CHSD#212 Dr. JenniferGarrison Vandalia CUSD#203

Who: Dr. Jennifer Garrison, superintendent

Who: Dr. Nick Polyak, superintendent What: IASA and AASA Aspiring Superintendent Academy; IASA Global Service Project; AASA Transformational Leadership Consortium; Co-author of three education leadership books; Co-founder of #Suptchat Where: Leyden CHSD #212, Cook West When: Superintendent of Leyden CHSD

What: Vandalia One Leadership Community; COVID-19 Learning Rejuvenation; Evidence-Based Funding advocacy; IASA COVID-19 Transition Team Where: Vandalia CUSD #203, Kaskaskia Region

When: Former superintendent of Vandalia CUSD #203 for five years. Superintendent of Sandoval CUSD #501 for nine years Why: Throughout her educational career, Dr. Jennifer Garrison has always emphasized the importance of family, unity and integrity. “Our ‘Why’ at Vandalia is about family and the need to support each other in good times and bad times,” Dr. Garrison said. “We also talk a lot about ‘Vandal Values,’ and the importance of following the Golden Rule—treat others as you would want to be treated.” As superintendent of Vandalia CUSD #203, Dr. Garrison launched the Vandalia One Leadership Community initiative. Initially, Vandalia One started as an effort to bring the school and community together through the launch of a food pantry for students in need. However, the concept has evolved to include an educational pathways program and a marketing campaign that highlights student success stories.

#212 for 10 years. Former superintendent at IL Valley Central USD #321 for four years Why: At the end of his first day on the job 14 years ago as superintendent of IL Valley Central USD #321, Dr. Polyak remembered getting a call from his wife. “She asked when I would be home for dinner. I said I didn’t know whether everyone was waiting for me to leave, or I was waiting for them to leave,” Dr. Polyak joked. “I certainly wasn’t asking anyone what time I was supposed to go home!” Throughout his career, Dr. Polyak has focused on helping educators make the transition to the superintendency and creating opportunities for current superintendents to become stronger leaders. With the help of Dr. Mike Lubelfeld, superintendent of North Shore SD #112, Dr. Polyak launched the IASA Aspiring Superintendent Academy seven years ago. The week-long

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LM August 2022