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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. Dr. VonMansfield Homewood Flossmoor CHSD#233 AlettaLawrence Mount Vernon SD#80

Who: Aletta Lawrence, superintendent What: Role model to

Who: Dr. Von Mansfield, superintendent What: Expanded challenging course placement and opportunities for all students to include: College Preparatory, Honors, Advanced Placement; First public high school in the Chicago suburbs to offer a two-year International Baccalaureate program; Offers seven- day-per-week free tutoring for students.

superintendents on how to navigate unique challenges in a high poverty district in rural southern Illinois; Expanded after school programs; Offered summer school; Maximized grant opportunities.

Where: Mount Vernon SD #80, Egyptian When: Superintendent of Mount Vernon SD #80 since 2015. Why: Aletta Lawrence has worked in Mount Vernon SD #80 for 27 years, including the past six as superintendent, three as assistant superintendent, 10 as the district’s preschool principal and the remaining years as the eighth grade math teacher. During that time, she has witnessed the poverty rate in the school district rise from 50 percent to 83 percent. “I have lived in Jefferson County my entire life, and I want to do my part to make it a better place,” Lawrence said. Lawrence is a respected leader and someone her peers turn to when they have questions about how to navigate unique challenges in a high poverty district in rural southern Illinois.

Where: Homewood Flossmoor CHSD #233, Cook South When: Superintendent of Homewood-Flossmoor CHSD #233 since 2008. Why: Dr. Von Mansfield may have been blessed with enough athletic ability to get drafted into the NFL in 1982, but he never lost sight of the importance of an education and his passion to help others. As superintendent, Mansfield continues to elevate the quality of education for students and staff. The district is consistently ranked as one of America’s most respected high schools and has been profiled in the Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, The Daily Beast and Niche. Homewood-Flossmoor CHSD #233 has quadrupled the number of AP courses available to students with 27 AP courses currently offered. State and national district

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