LM March 2024

Education Elevat g

We continue our series highlighting tremendous educators across Illinois who have given their time and energy to elevating 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 Communications, at jnevel@iasaedu.org or by calling 217–753–2213. Dr. Johnnie Thomas Rich Twp HSD #227 Cary Jackson Dieterich CUSD #30

Who: Dr. Johnnie Thomas, superintendent What: Reimagined the high school experience by creating new opportunities for students that will help them be workforce ready; Opened a food pantry that provides direct grocery support to families in need; President of Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity;

Who: Cary Jackson, superintendent What: Created new opportunities for students; Helped expand vocational offerings through Effingham Regional Career Academy; Currently serves on Dieterich Community Development Corporation; Expanded dual credit opportunities; Member of RISE Network; Vision 2030 Workgroup.

Where: Dieterich CUSD #30, Wabash Valley When: Superintendent of Dieterich CUSD #30 since 2012 Why: Creating opportunities for students to be successful in their career and life is what drives Cary Jackson in his role as superintendent of Dieterich CUSD #30. “We always do what is in the best interest of students and that means focusing on creating new opportunities,” Jackson said. “One of the ways we achieve that goal is by developing partnerships with community, business, industry and higher education leaders. A lot of our success goes back to the fact that everyone is on the same page. That has helped our community continue to grow.” Dieterich CUSD #30 has experienced significant population growth since 2010. Enrollment in the district has climbed from 425 students to 620 students this current school year. Jackson has served on various community boards, including the Dieterich Community Development

Raised money for college scholarships. Where: Rich Twp HSD #227, Cook South

When: Superintendent of Rich Twp HSD #227 for seven years. Former superintendent of Community High School District 155 from 2012–2017. Why: Having worked in Tier 1 and Tier 4 school districts throughout his education career, Dr. Johnnie Thomas witnessed the disparities first hand. When he was hired as superintendent of Rich Twp HSD #227 in 2017, Dr. Thomas made it his mission to level the playing field. “We have to do whatever we can to eliminate those discrepancies,” Dr. Thomas said. “At Rich Township, our mission has been to expose students to new opportunities and create a top-of-the-line educational experience that emphasizes workforce readiness.” Dr. Thomas has overseen a reimagining of the high school experience at Rich Twp HSD #227, where 95 percent of

10 LM March 2024