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Henry has been an educator for 22 years, starting as
a high school math teacher before becoming an
elementary and junior high principal. He then served
as superintendent of the Zeigler-Royalton District for two
years before being named superintendent of the Sesser-
Valier district in 2005.
Kelly pointed to Henry’s background as a math teacher
as one reason the Sesser-Valier district has stayed
afloat financially despite steep cuts in state aid the past
several years.
“Our school district has not appeared on the state’s
dreaded ‘watch list’ mostly due to his careful planning,”
said the board president. “Having a background in math
has given him an edge in keeping our district in healthy
financial condition. He has stayed abreast of all of the
state’s financial shortfalls and other money issues.”
In holding true to those country church values instilled
in him years ago, Henry humbly deflected the honor of
being selected Illinois Superintendent of the Year.
“The award isn’t really about me or my work. It’s about
the phenomenal team of people that make up the Sesser
-Valier school district who work faithfully day after day to
help children and adults with learning and with life,”
Henry said. “The success of the school district is a direct
result of the students, parents, staff members and
community members, all of whom recognize that our
school is a close-knit family that cares for the individual,
places emphasis on people above things and performs
as a high-functioning team. Our people understand
what’s truly important in life, and that drives what we do.
It’s indescribably enjoyable to be part of that kind of
team.”
Henry cited the strong, experienced school board that
“understands servant leadership, entrusts its teammates
to do the work and leads with positivity and
hopefulness.” He also mentioned his colleagues in the
Egyptian Region of IASA for “leading our schools
districts to be better today than they were yesterday,”
and mentors such as Pinckneyville’s O’Leary and
Du Quoin’s Dr. Gary Kelly, longtime superintendents he
described as educational “giants who lavishly poured
their knowledge and experience to me in extraordinary
ways over the last 20-plus years.”
He credited his parents for his pursuit of a career in
education.
“My parents, Pat & Jane Henry, both retired teachers,
raised my sister, also a public school teacher, and me to
consider our education as a privilege and to treat others
Illinois Superintendent of the Year Dr. Jason Henry visits with Sesser-Valier kindergarten students and teacher
Kristie Spotanski