LM May 2016

Joe F. Burgess Genoa-Kingston 424

Kishwaukee

“I am honored to be recognized by my peers,” said Burgess, who has been an educator for 32 years, serving as teacher and administrator before becoming superintendent of the Genoa- Kingston district in 2010. “I believe that an award given by those who do the same job day in and day out has great merit and represents a true appreciation for the occupation of superintendent.”

Those nominating Burgess noted that he created a committee including staff, parents and students to study and assist in integrating technology into the curriculum. The district is now fully

integrated at all grade levels and the middle school is 1:1 with Chromebooks. In addition, another group was begun to research and discuss the problems associated with substance abuse and bullying. The group is active at sporting events and school assemblies educating students and families on these important topics. Other accomplishments in the district include:  Creating a high school class focusing on soft skills and career development. Students who completed the class were presented with “work ready” certificates recognized by local business and industry.  Implementing Project Lead the Way, a process of motivating students in the areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) education, which the district considers leading students into the next part of their life, prepared to succeed and contribute.

Dr. Daniel Coles Wauconda Comm 118

Lake

“I am blessed to work with a group of outstanding teachers, support staff and

administrators who are committed to providing wonderful opportunities for student success each and every day,” said Coles, who has been an educator for 29 years, serving as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and director of human resources before being named superintendent at Wauconda in 2004. “It is an honor to serve the folks of Wauconda CUSD 118 and I am grateful for this recognition. It is my hope that the award may shine a spotlight on all of the accomplishments that the students of my school district achieve

throughout the school year.”

Those nominating Coles noted that he has helped create a positive climate for learning that focuses on high standards and student achievement in all areas. The average ACT scores in the district have risen from 19.9 to 22.1 in seven years, and the number of students taking Advanced Placement courses and earning college credits has doubled. Other accomplishments include:  Students have outpaced the state averages on all state assessments in grades 3-8 and grade 11 for the past decade despite spending $1,000 less per pupil than the state average.  The number of Illinois State Scholars, National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists and Distinguished Graduates has increased significantly the past 10 years.  Implementation of a $60 million facilities plan. Also, capital improvements of more than $15 million, including ADA improvements, life safety work and renovation of the athletic field complex.  Implementation of Response to Intervention programs and Positive Behavior Interventions/ Supports  Technology improvements including 1:1 utilization of Chromebooks as Chromebook carts and six computer labs. A new wireless network and fiber optic cabling have been installed in all six schools.  School security has been upgraded

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