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ctor of Communications
But Kelly didn’t see it that way, and still doesn’t, as he
heads into the halfway point of his 22nd, and final, year as
superintendent in DuQuoin. That’s because he still wanted to
grow as a leader.
Despite a distinguished career—culminating by being named
2019 Illinois Superintendent of the Year—Kelly spent eight
weekends over the past two years in Springfield. He was one
of 25 Illinois superintendents who participated in the ISAL IV
Cohort, a professional development opportunity offered by
IASA that focuses on building exemplary leadership skills,
knowledge and skill sets essential for ensuring successful
student achievement at the local level.
Kelly, an educator for 33 years, saw the program as an
opportunity to grow.
“I did not want to be complacent,” he said. “I’m going to work
just as hard in my last year as I did in my first year.”
Deservingof Recognition
That commitment to his craft is why both students and
colleagues say Kelly is deserving of being named 2019
Illinois Superintendent of the Year.
He was nominated by his peers in the Egyptian region
based on the following criteria: leadership for learning,
communication, professionalism and community involvement.
He received the award in November at the Joint Annual
Conference in Chicago.
According to DuQuoin CUSD #300 Board member Larry
Valier, Kelly’s vision, leadership and caring attitude allowed
the district to flourish from a facility, programmatic and
financial standpoint.
“Dr. Kelly is a student-focused leader who cares about
our students and demonstrates that attitude at all times,”
Valier said. “Our district’s motto of ‘Working Together for
All Students’ is a derivative of his leadership style and
determination to serve all students.”
Teachers in DuQuoin also praise Kelly’s leadership style.
Jean Ann Mathis, a longtime teacher and former president of
the teacher’s union, described Kelly as being compassionate
to family, faculty and community members.
“He knows the families so well because he’s been here
so long,” Mathis said. “He’s always checking on the kids
because he truly cares about them.”
Molly Dearmond, a senior at DuQuoin High School, broke her
leg last year. Kelly regularly kept tabs on her recovery.
“Every time he would come to school and ask about my
recovery and how school was going,” she said.
As for having the same enthusiasm in Year 22 as Year 1,
Mathis witnessed it personally.
“He is almost more energetic now,” she said. “He wants to
make sure everything is just right for the next person.”
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of the Year
Illinois Superintendent