LM August 2023hi

Education Elevat g

Timothy Schurman Chadwick-Milledgeville CUSD #399

Dr. Jeanie Stachowiak North Palos SD #117

Who: Timothy Schurman, superintendent What: Expanded technology to every classroom; Added tutoring supports for students; Updated facilities districtwide; Increased district fund balance; Leader of schools that have received an Exemplary designation two times; Increased starting teacher pay; Member of IASA Board of Directors; Former IASA Region President; Whiteside Area Career Center Board of

Who: Dr. Jeanie Stachowiak, superintendent What: Three-time recipient of National Blue Ribbon Award in a district that serves 60 percent low income population; Presented at education conferences; Highly regarded EL program; Expanded technology; Implemented successful intervention and after school programs; Fostered

Directors; Third degree member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight for three years Where: Chadwick-Milledgeville CUSD #399, Northwest Region When: Superintendent of Chadwick-Milledgeville CUSD #399 for 14 years Why: As the longtime superintendent of Chadwick-Milledgeville CUSD #399, Tim Schurman has operated under the guiding principle that every student deserves the best. “I serve about 400 students in a small rural area in northwestern Illinois,” Schurman said. “I want to make sure where they live doesn’t prevent them from getting the best. Our students deserve the best teachers, the best facilities, the best technology and the best education we can provide. My goal as superintendent is to improve our district with every decision I make.” In his 14 years at Chadwick-Milledgeville CUSD #399, Schurman has implemented a 1:1 computer initiative, purchased Smart Boards for every classroom and overseen a massive expansion of technology. He has also placed an emphasis on elevating teaching and learning that has resulted in strong academic success. Both school buildings in Chadwick-Milledgeville CUSD #399 have received the designation of Exemplary by the Illinois State Board of Education multiple times.

successful Professional Learning Communities; Developed a successful teacher mentor program. Where: North Palos SD #117, Cook South When: Superintendent of North Palos SD #117 for 13 years Why: In order for schools in North Palos SD #117 to achieve one of the highest honors in education, a National Blue Ribbon Award, Dr. Jeanie Stachowiak believes it starts with setting high expectations. “We don’t have a lot of flash, but we’ve been fortunate to achieve success,” Stachowiak said. “High expectations for all students is our No. 1 mantra in North Palos. Everything we do is about trying to make sure every student has the same opportunities for success.” Less than 1 percent of schools nationwide receive a National Blue Ribbon Award, which recognizes overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. North Palos SD #117 is a three-time recipient of the award. Glen Oaks Elementary School has received the award twice and Conrady Junior High School once. Dr. Stachowiak said what she is most proud of is that her district’s demographics do not line up, generally speaking, with other National Blue Ribbon Award winners. In North

14 LM August 2023