Leadership and Dedication Recognized at the 2024 Joint Annual Conference
Awards presented for Outstanding School Board Member, Superintendent of the Year, Exemplary District/Board Secretary, Outstanding School Business Official, and School Design Projects.Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award
Kate Ringger, administrative assistant to the superintendent and board secretary for the El Paso Gridley CUSD 11 Board of Education, was named the winner of the 2024 Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award. The annual award recognizes administrative professionals and board secretaries for performance, initiative, innovation, passion, staff development, and dedication to the district, community, and students. Ringger was recognized for her achievement on November 22 during the opening session of the Administrative Professionals’ Program.
2025 Illinois Superintendent of the Year
During the Second General Session on November 23, the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA) presented the award for the 2025 Illinois Superintendent of the Year. Peoria SD 150 Superintendent Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, Ed.D., was selected by an independent panel who cited her 29 years as an educator and her ability to tackle challenges while finding innovative solutions that meet the needs of all district students. IASA noted the work of Desmoulin-Kherat in addressing the educator shortage, developing community services through the district Wraparound Center, strengthening ties with Caterpillar to yield employment opportunities for graduates, and improving students’ academic performance.
“I am truly honored to accept this award, a tribute that truly belongs to the entire team at Peoria Public Schools," said Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, Ed.D., who has served as Superintendent of Peoria SD 150 for the past 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."
Ronald E. Everett Distinguished Service Award
Lyndl Schuster, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent for Business Services/CSBO for River Trails SD 26, was the recipient of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (Illinois ASBO) Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals for their diligence, superior performance, and achievement in service to the school business public.In nominating Schuster for the award, colleagues cited her humble nature, world-travel experiences, and passion for sustainability and green, renewable energy. “Her personal passion has been brought into the district; and I think it has been wonderful,” said Tracy Hillman, Administrative Accountant at River Trails SD 26, when speaking about the numerous green, sustainable projects Schuster has been able to accomplish for the district.
The Distinguished Service Award was presented during the Third General Session on November 24.
Thomas Lay Burroughs Award for Outstanding School Board Member
Also during the Third General Session, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) presented the Thomas Lay Burroughs Award for Outstanding School Board Member. The Burroughs Award recognizes school board members who demonstrate achievements including enhancing student learning, narrowing achievement gaps, promoting educational excellence, broadening educational opportunities for underserved students, and addressing major challenges resulting in more equitable outcomes for students.Adina Hoover, M.D. of Westmont CUSD 201 was named the 2024 Burroughs Award winner. Hoover started on the board in 2020 and currently serves as Westmont CUSD 201 Board President.
In presenting Hoover with the Award, ISBE Board Chair Steven Isoye, Ed.D., spoke of Hoover’s leadership and equity work, referring to her as a change agent and advocate who “never takes her eyes off the prize” when it comes to ensuring all district students receive a quality education.
“Dr. Hoover exemplifies the gold standard of leadership," said Dr. Isoye. “From her work as a pediatric ER doctor to her tireless effort on behalf of CUSD 201, she has dedicated herself to improving the lives of young people in her community. Illinois is fortunate to have Dr. Hoover and countless other school board members that volunteer their time in service of our students."
When accepting the award, Hoover cited recent accomplishments by the district, including implementation of equity practices, three of the four district schools earning exemplary summative designation on the 2024 Illinois Report Card, winning the Gold Circle of Quality Award for the early childhood center, the most improved junior high school in the state, and being the first Illinois high school to receive Platinum status by the 2024 AP School Honor Roll.
“We want to do something! There is no time for the status quo,” said Dr. Hoover in her acceptance speech. “We believe in a mission centered on the advancement of our students. We cannot stop working until every child, every student can reach their maximum potential.”
Exhibition Educational Environments
Awards for impactful school design were presented during the opening General Session of Conference. The Exhibition of Educational Environments recognizes outstanding examples of school design and planning. Criteria considered for each project include challenges met, design, energy use reduction, safety, and how well each facility meets the educational needs of students.Two projects were named Award of Distinction winners. Earning the top honor was FGM Architects for work with Frankfort CCSD 157C on the Chelsea Intermediate School Addition and Renovation project. Also taking the top award was Wight & Company for the planning and design of the New Trier High School East Academic and Athletic Addition, New Trier THSD 203.
Twenty-seven school projects were submitted for the competition and on display for Conference attendees to view.
