LM Nov-Dec_2023

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. Dave Palzet Pleasantdale SD # 107 Jeremy Darnell Gibson City-Melvin Sibley CUSD # 5

Who: Jeremy Darnell, superintendent What: Leader of district with Exemplary and Commendable schools; Reduced tax rate while making investments in facilities and human resources; Cultivated a positive work culture and strong relationship with unions; Expanded maternity leave for staff; Chairman of the Illinois Educators Risk Management Program; Member

Who: Dr. Dave Palzet, superintendent What: President of Suburban Superintendent Association; President of West Suburban Consortium for Academic Excellence; Leader of district with National Blue Ribbon School; Elevated student voice throughout the district; Improved academic outcomes throughout the district. ISAL Fellow; IASA Region President

Where: Pleasantdale SD #107, Cook West Region When: Ninth year as superintendent of Pleasantdale SD #107 Why: Dr. Dave Palzet has always felt the title of “curator” could be added to his job description. “I always believed part of my role as superintendent is to curate learning experiences for kids, curate extra curricular opportunities, curate fulfilling experiences for our board members and curate a positive work environment for our staff,” Dr. Palzet said. “Along the way, I’m always looking for ways to improve those experiences.” During his tenure as superintendent, Dr. Palzet has overseen a district that has experienced academic growth. Pleasantdale Elementary School was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2023. Nationwide, only 313 public schools received the nation’s highest honor for academic performance.

of ISAL VII cohort; Former Region President Where: Gibson City-Melvin Sibley CUSD #5, Corn Belt Region When: Eighth year as superintendent of Gibson City Melvin Sibley CUSD #5 Why: A belief that the most valuable resource are human resources has been a guiding principle for Gibson City Melvin Sibley CUSD #5. “Anything we can do to inject value and appreciation to our staff is a common theme here,” said Jeremy Darnell, the district’s superintendent. “We try to cultivate that whenever we can and let people know they’re valued. I think that contributes to why our academic performance is high and our culture is positive for students.” Gibson City-Melvin Sibley CUSD #5 received high marks on the 2023 Illinois Report Card. The middle school was

12 LM Holidays 2023