LM Oct. 2023hi

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. Kevin Suchinski Hillside SD #93 Dr. Rachel Savage Moline-Coal Valley CUSD #40

Who: Dr. Kevin Suchinski, superintendent What: Expanded partnerships with community providers to offer increased mental fitness and self-care services for students; Partnered with DREAM Academy; Member of West Suburban Consortium for Academic Excellence; Member of Cook County Department of Public Health School Committee

Who: Dr. Rachel Savage, superintendent What: Leveraged federal recovery dollars to hire 30 additional teachers in the 2021-22 school year on a two-year contract that has resulted in academic growth and insulated the district from the teacher shortage; Reimagined alternative school for high school students; Partnered with community organizations to offer better supports for students; Co

Chair of Vision 2030 Workgroup; IASA Women in Leadership; IASA-ISBE Advisory Committee. Where: Moline-Coal Valley CUSD #40, Blackhawk When: Superintendent of Moline-Coal Valley CUSD #40 since 2019 Why: At the start of the pandemic-ridden 2021-22 school year, Moline-Coal Valley CUSD #40 welcomed 30 new teachers to its staff. While the teachers were full-time employees, there was a twist. Each was hired to a two-year contract that was primarily funded by an influx of federal pandemic-relief dollars Moline-Coal Valley CUSD #40 received. Two school years later, the gamble has paid off. Moline-Coal Valley CUSD #40 is experiencing academic growth and has insulated itself from the national teacher shortage. “I know that many districts were not using those dollars on human resources because it was not sustainable,” Dr. Savage

Where: Hillside SD #93, Cook West When: Superintendent of Hillside SD #93 since 2015 Why: Building partnerships with community providers to better support students and take some of the burden off teachers has been a major focus for Hillside SD #93 this school year. “Our teachers have been incredible the last three years, but they are definitely stretched thin,” Dr Kevin Suchinski said. “We’ve been trying to look at how we can provide our teachers with additional support by partnering with community providers to take a closer look at societal problems, such as mental health, internet connectivity and any other issues outside of our doors that students are dealing with. It’s important to look at all avenues to support our students’ well-being.” Hillside SD #93 has partnered with Zebra Telehealth to offer free counseling services for students and staff. The

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