LM January 2017

Illinois Superintendent of the Year Dr. Jason Henry visits with Sesser-Valier kindergarten students and teacher Kristie Spotanski

Henry has been an educator for 22 years, starting as a high school math teacher before becoming an elementary and junior high principal. He then served as superintendent of the Zeigler-Royalton District for two years before being named superintendent of the Sesser- Valier district in 2005. Kelly pointed to Henry’s background as a math teacher as one reason the Sesser-Valier district has stayed afloat financially despite steep cuts in state aid the past several years. “Our school district has not appeared on the state’s dreaded ‘watch list’ mostly due to his careful planning,” said the board president. “Having a background in math has given him an edge in keeping our district in healthy financial condition. He has stayed abreast of all of the state’s financial shortfalls and other money issues.” In holding true to those country church values instilled in him years ago, Henry humbly deflected the honor of being selected Illinois Superintendent of the Year. “The award isn’t really about me or my work. It’s about the phenomenal team of people that make up the Sesser -Valier school district who work faithfully day after day to help children and adults with learning and with life,” Henry said. “The success of the school district is a direct

result of the students, parents, staff members and community members, all of whom recognize that our school is a close-knit family that cares for the individual, places emphasis on people above things and performs as a high-functioning team. Our people understand what’s truly important in life, and that drives what we do. It’s indescribably enjoyable to be part of that kind of team.” Henry cited the strong, experienced school board that “understands servant leadership, entrusts its teammates to do the work and leads with positivity and hopefulness.” He also mentioned his colleagues in the Egyptian Region of IASA for “leading our schools districts to be better today than they were yesterday,” and mentors such as Pinckneyville’s O’Leary and Du Quoin’s Dr. Gary Kelly, longtime superintendents he described as educational “giants who lavishly poured their knowledge and experience to me in extraordinary ways over the last 20-plus years.” He credited his parents for his pursuit of a career in education. “My parents, Pat & Jane Henry, both retired teachers, raised my sister, also a public school teacher, and me to consider our education as a privilege and to treat others

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