LM Nov-Dec_2021

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. John Price North Chicago SD#187 Dr. DarcyBenway O’Fallon Twp HSD#203

Who: Dr. John Price, superintendent. What: Stabilized and elevated North Chicago SD #187 after state takeover in 2012; Wrote dissertation on the impact of state takeovers; Improved teacher retention in North Shore SD #187 through strategic hiring and partnerships. Where: North Chicago SD #187, Lake Region.

Who: Dr. Darcy Benway, superintendent.

What: Inspiring school leaders by sharing her personal story of overcoming health challenges; Overseeing a high-performing district despite low cost per pupil spending. Where: O’Fallon Twp HSD #203, Southwestern Region.

When: Superintendent at O’Fallon Twp HSD #203 for 15 years. Why: Dr. Darcy Benway never imagined she would be asked to share an inspirational message to her peers during a keynote presentation at IASA’s Annual Conference. “I’ve never thought of myself as inspiring but somehow, someway my story resonates with people,” Dr. Benway said. “I am happy to help in any way I can.” In April 2021, Dr. Benway was diagnosed with Giant Cell Myocarditis, an extremely rare, and rapidly fatal, cardiovascular disorder that occurs for unknown reasons. One month after being prescribed medications and immunosuppressant drugs to treat the disorder in hopes it would strengthen her heart, she was readmitted to the hospital, placed on life support and her name was added

When: Superintendent at North Chicago SD #187 since 2017. Why: When Dr. John Price was hired as superintendent of North Chicago SD #187 in 2017, he stepped into one of the most unique leadership jobs in the state. North Chicago SD #187 was five years removed from a state takeover initiated because the district failed to meet federal accountability guidelines set forth in the No Child Left Behind law for nine years while regularly utilizing deficit spending. Although the state still has financial oversight and appoints board members to North Chicago SD #187, the district is in significantly better shape, both academically and financially. During Dr. Price’s tenure as superintendent, the four-year graduation rate, for example, improved from 56 to 72 percent. “The board has invested in the right leadership at the high school, which has made a significant difference,” Dr. Price said. “We created a new freshman and sophomore academy and our Freshman on Track Rate has now been at 85 percent or higher since the program came into place. We’ve also

20 LM Nov./Dec. 2021