LM Summer 2024

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 some one to feature next month. To make a recommendation, contact Jason Nevel, IASA Director of Communications, at jnevel@iasaedu.org or by calling 217–753–2213. Mark Jontry Regional Office of Education # 17 Dr. Terri Bresnahan Community Cons SD # 59

Who: Mark Jontry, regional superintendent What: Expanded professional development offerings; Enhanced alternative programs; Helped develop The Math Center; Helped launch the Central Illinois Bridge Academy; Past President of IARSS

Who: Dr. Terri Bresnahan, superintendent What: Embedded a culture of continuous school improvement; Improved literacy and math scores districtwide; Enhanced dual language programs; Added additional supports for newcomer students; Partnered with Wheeling CCSD #21 to add a Director of School Safety; Vision 2030 Workgroup Chair; IASA

Where: Regional Office of Education # 17, Corn Belt

Superintendent Transition Team member; Executive Board member for the Suburban Superintendents Association; Board member for the Suburban Superintendents Roundtable. Where: Community Cons SD #59, Cook North When: Superintendent of Community Cons SD #59 since July 2021; Superintendent of Berkeley SD #87 from July 2015 to June 2021 Why: In her 10 years as superintendent, Dr. Terri Bresnahan has served as a leader who is both student-centered and teacher-centered. “The role of a superintendent has the privilege and responsibility to advocate and serve on behalf of all children,” Dr. Bresnahan said. “It’s one of the most impactful roles in terms of service to public education. I want to serve in a way that gives voice to those who are working with our kids. Teachers are our most vital partners in doing this work.”

When: Regional Superintendent in ROE #17 since 2008 Why: As a former teacher and assistant principal, Mark Jontry enjoyed the direct support he could provide to students. However, he also felt like he could positively impact education on a larger scale. It wasn’t hard to find a pathway. Jontry’s father, Gene, was a Regional Superintendent in ROE #17 throughout the 1990s. He was succeeded by Larry Daghe. When Daghe’s Assistant Superintendent retired, Daghe reached out to Jontry to gauge interest. “I saw opportunities to expand programs for at-risk kids in the four counties we serve and decided to take the plunge,” Jontry said. “I had some familiarity, but I quickly realized how much I didn’t know. I took the time to learn and understand. I have not regretted that decision.”

18 LM Summer 2024