LM Nov-Dec_2021

Goreville CUSD #1 is located in deep southern Illinois near the Shawnee National Forest. The preK–12 district serves about 600 students.

ar f Goreville CUSD#1, Shawnee Region

By Jason Nevel IASA Director of Social Media and Publications

applications for the Illinois Superintendent of the Year program. Nominees were judged on the following criteria: pandemic response, academic achievement, preparing students for the future, social-emotional support, teaching and instruction, equity strategies and leadership. Dr. Webb feels incredibly honored to have received the award.

When Kennedy’s aide, Mrs. Bradford, asked her who her favorite person was, the sixth grader didn’t hesitate. Her finger immediately gravitated toward the button on the keyboard connected to her wheelchair that voiced the name of Goreville CUSD #1’s longtime superintendent, Dr. Steve Webb.

Mrs. Bradford asked, “Really?” Kennedy hit the button again. “Dr. Webb,” the talking device sounded. The exchange was recorded on Mrs. Bradford’s’s cell phone and shared with Dr. Webb. He can’t stop smiling when he watches it, like everyone in the ballroom when Dr. Webb’s video played for the award ceremony. “It’s one of the cutest videos I have ever seen,” said Dr. Webb, who was named IASA’s 2022 Illinois Superintendent of the Year at the Joint Annual Conference. “Even as superintendent, I still want to have that special connection to students.” In his 19 years as superintendent of Goreville CUSD #1, and 29 years overall as an educator, Dr. Webb has

Dr. Webb has taken our school district and community to incredible new heights with his visionary leadership. He does not see problems— he sees potential and he stops at nothing to figure out a way to make it benefit kids.

“I share this recognition with every single person who has guided me and helped shape my values,” said Dr. Webb. “I truly am a product of a tremendous community and a family I love very deeply, who weathers the storm of public duty with me. I will forever cherish this award and will continue to love and nurture the kids in our care and hopefully make a difference one child at a time.” ReturningHome Goreville is located in deep southern Illinois near the Shawnee National Forest and has a population of about 1,068 people.

The village is home to Lake of Egypt and the scenic Ferne Clyffe State Park. The preK–12 district serves about 600 students of whom nearly half are considered low income. Few people understand Goreville better than Dr. Webb. His family has deep ties to the community. His father was a teacher there when Steve graduated from Goreville High

always tried to put students first in his decision making. That passion has driven him to keep pushing his staff to improve the educational environment for every student— no matter their circumstances, race or ethnicity—in Goreville CUSD #1. Webb’s extensive accomplishments (see page 8) were recognized by an independent committee that reviews

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LM Nov./Dec. 2021