6 / 29
6
Sesser-Valier’sHenry livesout hiscalling
2017 Illinois Superintendent of the Year recognized for his ‘servant leadership’
By Mike Chamness
IASA Director of Communications
Jason Henry has never forgotten the lessons he
learned as a youngster attending a small country
church in Southern Illinois.
“That small church congregation taught me what it
really means to love and care for my friends and
neighbors, how we need to hold each other
accountable, and how to work together as a team,”
said Henry, superintendent of Sesser-Valier
Community Unit District 196 who recently was named
the 2017 Illinois Superintendent of the Year. “They
helped set the pace of my life, and those values are
front-and-center in our lives today.”
Those who nominated Henry noted a lengthy list of
accomplishments in his 12-year tenure as head of the
Sesser-Valier district, but it was Henry’s vision,
integrity and his “servant leadership” that really caught
their attention.
School Board President Carroll Kelly, himself a
former longtime teacher, principal and high school Hall
of Fame football coach, said: “Because of my
background in education, I recognize quality
educational leadership and the honor of Illinois
Superintendent of the Year is very appropriately
presented to Dr. Jason Henry. He has modeled how to
attain worthy goals to Sesser-Valier students, teachers
and staff members alike.”
Some of those
accomplishments in the
school district under
Henry’s guidance
include:
Introducing a co-
teaching program
pairing a special
education teacher with
a regular education
teacher in junior high
and high school classrooms for English, language
arts and math. That plan helped reduce the
percentage of students identified as needing
Individualized Educations Plans (IEPs) by a third,
from 21 percent to 14 percent.
Partnering with Monsanto to introduce new STEM
technology such as 3D modeling and z-Space
workstations for students.
Implementing a new, privately-funded, four-year
LIFE 101 curriculum that focuses on life skills such
as personal financial management and budgeting.
Implementing the “Shaping, Planning, Leading”
project to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for
the school district.
Helping the Sesser-Valier Elementary School
achieve designation as a federal Blue Ribbon school.
Neighboring Pinckneyville Superintendent Timothy
O’Leary, in his nominating letter, wrote about one of
the Sesser-Valier schools becoming a demonstration
school for the Illinois
Aspire Program.
“This is quite an
accomplishment while
facing decreasing
student enrollment,
reduced state and
federal funding coupled
with increasing poverty
levels in a rural school
district,” O’Leary wrote.
“Dr. Henry definitely
balances being a wise steward of the district’s financial
resources while meeting the community’s needs.”
Henry also has earned the respect of his teachers
and staff, including union leadership in his school
district.
Stephanie White, co-President of the Sesser-Valier
Education Association, said: "Dr. Henry’s decisions are
based on the best interests of our students, faculty,
and staff. He is invested in the district's educators and
supportive of their work. Dr. Henry works closely with
the Sesser-Valier Education Association to promote an
encouraging and connected school climate."
IASA President Derek Hutchins, left, presents the 2017
Illinois Superintendent of the Year award to Dr. Jason
Henry of Sesser-Valier Community Unit District 196
“That small church congregation taught me
what it really means to love and care for
my friends and neighbors, how we need to
hold each other accountable, and how to
work together as a team.”
—Dr. Jason Henry, Illinois
Superintendent of the Year