May 2019 LM

• Giant City CCSD#130was named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2018. The award recognizes public and private K-12 schools that are either high- performing or have improved student achievement to high levels.

• Aggressively pursued training for teachers. • Established a teachermentoring program.

Belinda Hill Giant City CCSD#130 Shawnee

• Helped develop the district’s strategic plan in 2001 and continued to follow it and update it. Stickingwith the plan has led to numerous successes, including strong finances and Joliet Township High School becoming the school of choice in the community. • Named Advanced Placement District of the Year by the College Board in 2017.

• Receivedmultiple honors for the district’s Character Initiative, including being named the 2017 Illinois District of Character. The award recognizes

Matthew Klosterman Belleville SD#118 Southwestern character education initiative that yields positive results in student behavior, school climate and academic performance. • Received the Belleville Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence and Commitment to Community awards. • Integrated full 1:1 Chromebooks for grades K–8. • Maintained a strong financial rating through tough financial times. • Completed a $20million addition/renovation project across Belleville SD#118. • Converted to an in-house bus service. Food service is also operated in-house and provides food to 20 additional school programs. districts that demonstrate an outstanding

Dr. Cheryl McCarthy Joliet Twp HSD#204 Three Rivers • Implemented a bilingual communication strategy that has engaged the district’s Hispanic population. • Expanded technology districtwide, including a 1:1 initiative, full wireless access, a student help desk, blended learning, an online learning environment and a home access center for parents and students tomonitor progress, grades and other records online. • Created a Freshman Academy and Career Academies for sophomores designed to increase student achievement through job shadowing, online course offerings and an advisory program. • Improved community partnerships that provide students with increased opportunities and supports. • Developed robust summer programs offered to students at little or no cost.

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LM May 2019