Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, superintendent of Peoria SD #150, has been named the 2025 Illinois Superintendent of the Year by the Illinois Association of School Administrators.

The award was presented Saturday (November 23) during the Joint Annual Conference in Chicago co-sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB), the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO) and IASA. Nominees are judged on the following criteria: academic achievement, preparing students for the future, social-emotional support, teaching and instruction and leadership.

An independent panel commissioned by IASA selected Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat for 2025 Illinois Superintendent of the Year based on innovative approaches the district has taken to best serve a diverse student population. 

"I am truly honored to accept this award, a tribute that truly belongs to the entire team at Peoria Public Schools," said Dr. Kherat, who has been an educator for 29 years and superintendent of Peoria SD #150 for 10 years. "No significant achievement is the work of a single individual, and this award is no exception. Our journey may be demanding, but it is undeniably rewarding, bringing life-changing benefits to our children. What sets our district apart is our perspective on problems - we view them as opportunities, tirelessly striving to devise solutions to the most complex challenges."

Peoria SD #150 has reimagined what public education looks like. Unique initiatives and programs that have occurred during Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat’s tenure as superintendent include:

Alleviated Teacher Shortage in Peoria SD #150

Recognizing that a traditional approach would not resolve challenges attracting teachers, Dr. Kherat thought outside-of-the-box and pushed Peoria SD #150 to become one of the first school districts in the country to be approved as a federal J1 Visa Sponsor. The effort resulted in the recruitment of 113 international teachers from 16 countries, increasing staff diversity from 10% to 20%.

A focus on comprehensive mentoring programs and teacher pathway initiatives, including a successful Grow Your Own program that graduated 17 teachers, also helped improve teacher retention from 79% to 88%.

Expanded Comprehensive Supports for Students

In 2018, Peoria SD #150 opened the Wraparound Center, bringing community agencies together under one roof to help students, adults and families in need of support and resources. Additionally, the Justice Advocate located at the Wraparound Center supported 182 at-risk youth involved with the criminal system. 

Enhanced Post-Secondary Success

Dr. Kherat helped establish a decade-long partnership with Caterpillar Inc., securing $800,000 for career and technical programs, including $210,000 for virtual welding equipment. The collaboration has yielded 130 student internships and 45 full-time employment opportunities for graduates.

Overall, Peoria SD #150 has increased Career and Technical Education enrollment from 1,227 to 1,621 students between 2023 and 2024, enhancing career readiness opportunities.