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Illinois. The school district serves about 290 students, predominantly from low-income families. For decades, the district’s property tax base has been propped up by the Grand Tower Power Plant, originally constructed as a coal-fired power plant in the 1920’s but later converted to burning natural gas in 2001. However, the owners of Grand Tower believe the plant should be assessed at a small fraction of what it currently is. Shawnee CUSD #84 has challenged that notion by bringing in independent power plant appraisers. The dilemma, which has spanned a decade, is currently tied up in the courts. Meanwhile, Shawnee CUSD #84 continues to work with state associations and legislators on how the state could step in, possibly through a change in EBF, if the district saw its revenue be nearly wiped out overnight. Clover-Hill has advised other superintendents who find themselves in similar situations with power plants. “It can be overwhelming when you talk about gloom and doom, but we try not to focus too much on that,” Clover- Hill said. “We focus on the students, and the education we’re providing.” Despite the challenges, Clover-Hill is proud of how the district has expanded educational opportunities for students. The district is part of a regional vocational collaboration that offers students training in programs such as nursing, autobody, auto repair and welding. Shawnee CUSD #84 has also partnered with Goreville CUSD #1 to expand dual-credit opportunities for students. As a result of the one cent countywide school facilities sales tax, the district has undergone substantial renovations to buildings, including updates to boilers, restrooms and windows. The money has also led to renovations with art, science and music classrooms, as well as renovating the media center. The gymnasium, locker rooms and a new central heating, ventilation and air conditioning system are on the to-do list. “I still feel blessed to be in a rural school district,” Clover- Hill said. “We call ourselves a small school with big possibilities. We have been able to continue to educate students and be creative in our educational offerings.” Elevat g Clover-Hill ... cont’d.

Cunningham ... cont’d. ways, the easiest thing for us to do is to get kids into college. It’s much more difficult to prepare them for a job that offers a livable wage directly out of high school. We want to make sure our kids have the best life possible.” A unique opportunity offered to students at Thornton Twp HSD #205 is the Civil Air Patrol Program run by a volunteer organization in conjunction with the United States Air Force. Students develop valuable leadership skills and gain real-life experiences while immersed in the world of aviation. Other educational programs offered at Thornton Twp HSD #205’s include International Baccalaureate, culinary arts, Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship, pre- pharmacy, sports medicine and diesel repair. After serving as a superintendent for seven years, Dr. Cunningham has focused more on supporting his colleagues. He informally mentors new superintendents and younger administrators. In addition, Dr. Cunningham has become more of an advocate for superintendents to practice self- care and grow their network after enrolling in the Transformational Leadership Academy (TLA). TLA, backed by the Illinois State Board of Education, is facilitated by Dr. Nancy Blair and Sandye Brown. The program pairs participants with a leadership coach who helps them develop personal and professional growth plans. Dr. Cunningham enrolled after recognizing he needed to make some life changes because the added stress from the pandemic was taking its toll and he had stopped eating healthy and exercising. He was paired with Brent O’Daniell, superintendent of Genoa- Kingston CUSD #424. The two presented together at IASA’s 57th Annual Conference. “The Transformational Leadership Academy has made me a better leader and has made me better with my team and my leadership,” Dr. Cunningham said. “It’s also been great to have someone who is there to listen and not judge. The challenges superintendents face sometimes require a partner who is there to listen as we talk through our issues.”

13 LM October 2021