LM May 2016

Victor White III Prairieview-Ogden CCSD197

Illini

“It is a great honor and very humbling to have your colleagues recognize you -- especially considering I know how hard all of them work within their district,” said White, who has been an educator for 29 years, serving as teacher, coach and administrator before becoming superintendent of the Prairieview-Ogden district in 2006. “I share this recognition with the PVO Board of Education members, past and present, administration, faculty, staff, parents, and community members that are dedicated to providing the best educational

opportunities for our PVO Students.”

Those nominating White noted that the district has received more than $2 million in grants that have purchased equipment/ training that the small rural school district would not have been able to afford otherwise. In addition, White helped pass a building referendum and 1 percent sales tax in Champaign County. These have allowed PVO to upgrade floors, heating and cooling, bathrooms, roofs, gym floors, lighting, handicapped bleachers and other building items without using money from the education fund. Other accomplishments in the district include:  Installing geothermal and a wind turbine at South Elementary School  Installing three computer labs and providing laptops and smartboards for each teacher  Adding courses/curriculum to the Junior High School

Michael Kelly Carlinville 1

Kaskaskia

“I am very surprised and extremely honored to be recognized by my peers for this award,” said Kelly, who has been an educator for 33 years, serving as teacher, coach and administrator before becoming superintendent of the Carlinville district in 2005. “To be selected from among this respected collection of educators means a great deal to me both professionally and personally.”

Those nominating Kelly noted that Carlinville CUSD #1 was the first school district in Illinois to receive district accreditation from the AdvancED organization. Also, Carlinville High School is regularly recognized as one of the top schools in Illinois by the U.S. News &World Report.

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