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Superintendent of the Year Program

Every year, IASA recognizes the outstanding work of an Illinois school leader through the Superintendent of the Year program. 

The deadline for the 2027 Illinois Superintendent of the Year was September 9. The application period is now closed.

Each candidate will be judged by an independent panel on the following criteria:

  • Student Success – How is your district elevating student success in the areas of academics, high school preparedness, college and career readiness and social-emotional support?  
  • Teacher Success – How is your district improving the quality of teaching and learning?  
  • District Success – How has your leadership pushed your district forward?
  • Community Success – In what ways have you given back to your community?
  • Involvement with IASA – How involved are you with IASA?

Every candidate is responsible for filling out his or her own application. If IASA receives an inquiry about a nomination, we will notify the superintendent to complete the application.

IASA also requires a signed acknowledgement of the IASA Code of Ethics/Award Acknowledgement form (see link below). Please print the document, sign it, scan it and email to cmiddleton@iasaedu.org.

Previous Illinois Superintendents of the Year 

  • Dr. Nick Polyak, Leyden CHSD #212
  • Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat , Peoria SD #150
  • Dr. Genevra Walters, Kankakee SD #111
  • Dr. PJ Caposey, Meridian CUSD #223 - 2023 
  • Dr. Steve Webb, Goreville CUSD #1 - 2022 
  • Dr. Donna Leak, CCSD #168 - 2021 
  • Dr. Kevin Blankenship, Scott-Morgan CUSD #2 and Winchester CUSD #1 - 2000 
  • Dr. Gary Kelly, DuQuoin CUSD #300 - 2019 
  • David R. Schuler, Township HSD #214 - 2018
  • Jason D. Henry, Sesser-Valier CUSD #196 - 2017
  • Judy Hackett, Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization (NSSEO) - 2016
  • Thomas E. Bertrand, Rochester Comm Unit #3A - 2015
  • Kelly Stewart, Benton #103 - 2014
  • Jane L. Westerhold, Des Plaines CC #62 - 2013
  • Peter Flynn, Freeport #145 - 2012
  • Edward F. Rafferty, Schaumburg CC #54 - 2010
  • Mark Friedman, Libertyville #70 - 2009
  • Blondean Y. Davis, Matteson Elem #162 - 2008
  • Kevin L. Settle, Mount Vernon #80 - 2007
  • Thomas F. Leahy, Quincy #172 - 2006
  • Frances B. Karanovich, Macomb Comm #185 - 2005
  • James T. Rosborg, Belleville #118 - 2004
  • David B. Van Winkle, Valley View #365U - 2003
  • Robert S. Nielsen, Bloomington #87 - 2002
  • James Burgett, Highland Comm #5 - 2001
  • Gerald D. Chapman, Palatine Twp HS #211 - 2000
  • John G. Conyers, Palatine CC #15 - 1999
  • Marvin E. Edwards, Elgin #U-46 - 1998
  • Dorothy M. Weber, Arlington Heights #25 - 1997
  • Robert C. Stevens, Glenbard Twp HS #87 - 1996
  • Joel W. Morris, West Chicago CUSD #94 - 1995
  • Barbara S. Devlin, Villa Park Elem #45 - 1994
  • Thomas G. Scullen, Indian Prairie CUSD #204 - 1993
  • Jean B. McGrew, Northfield Twp HS #225 - 1992
  • James L. Elliott, Maine Twp HS #207 - 1991