- Illinois Association of School Administrators
- Superintendent of the Year Program
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Dr. Genevra Walters Named 2024 Illinois Superintendent of the YearDr. Genevra Walters, superintendent of Kankakee SD #111, has been named the 2024 Illinois Superintendent of the Year by the Illinois Association of School Administrators.
The award was presented Sunday (November 19) 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.
“As an educational leader, it is a great honor to serve the community where I was born, raised, and currently reside,” said Walters, who has been an educator for 31 years and superintendent of Kankakee SD #111 for nine years. “Education is the foundation of a prosperous life filled with endless opportunities that can span generations. Although the role of superintendents has become progressively more challenging recently, the significance of our work is crucial. As we move forward post-Covid, we must consider the future of not only Illinois but also the entire country.”
Through an emphasis on securing grant funding, community outreach and developing partnerships, Dr. Walters has reimagined what public education looks like in Kankakee SD #111.
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Illinois Superintendent of the Year Program
This award, presented annually by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) and VALIC recognizes outstanding leadership among the ranks of superintendents. The recipients are listed beginning with the first year of IASA’s sponsorship of this award.• Dr. Genevra Walters, Kankakee SD #111• Dr. PJ Caposey, Meridian CUSD #223 - 2023 (watch video)• Dr. Steve Webb, Goreville CUSD #1 - 2022 (watch video)• Dr. Donna Leak, CCSD #168 - 2021 (watch video)• Dr. Kevin Blankenship, Scott-Morgan CUSD #2 and Winchester CUSD #1 - 2000 (watch video)• Dr. Gary Kelly, DuQuoin CUSD #300 - 2019 (watch video)• 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