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Joe F. Burgess
Genoa-Kingston 424
“I am honored to be recognized by my peers,”
said Burgess, who has been an educator for 32
years, serving as teacher and administrator
before becoming superintendent of the Genoa-
Kingston district in 2010. “I believe that an award
given by those who do the same job day in and
day out has great merit and represents a true
appreciation for the occupation of
superintendent.”
Those nominating Burgess noted that he created
a committee including staff, parents and students to study and assist in
integrating technology into the curriculum. The district is now fully
integrated at all grade levels and the middle school is 1:1 with Chromebooks. In addition, another group was
begun to research and discuss the problems associated with substance abuse and bullying. The group is
active at sporting events and school assemblies educating students and families on these important topics.
Other accomplishments in the district include:
Creating a high school class focusing on soft skills and career development. Students who completed the
class were presented with “work ready” certificates recognized by local business and industry.
Implementing Project Lead the Way, a process of motivating students in the areas of STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) education, which the district considers leading students into the
next part of their life, prepared to succeed and contribute.
Kishwaukee
“I am blessed to work with a group of
outstanding teachers, support staff and
administrators who are committed to providing
wonderful opportunities for student success each
and every day,” said Coles, who has been an
educator for 29 years, serving as a teacher, coach,
assistant principal, principal and director of human
resources before being named superintendent at
Wauconda in 2004. “It is an honor to serve the
folks of Wauconda CUSD 118 and I am grateful for
this recognition. It is my hope that the award may
shine a spotlight on all of the accomplishments that
the students of my school district achieve
throughout the school year.”
Those nominating Coles noted that he has helped create a positive climate for learning that focuses on
high standards and student achievement in all areas. The average ACT scores in the district have risen
from 19.9 to 22.1 in seven years, and the number of students taking Advanced Placement courses and
earning college credits has doubled. Other accomplishments include:
Students have outpaced the state averages on all state assessments in grades 3-8 and grade 11 for
the past decade despite spending $1,000 less per pupil than the state average.
The number of Illinois State Scholars, National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists and Distinguished
Graduates has increased significantly the past 10 years.
Implementation of a $60 million facilities plan. Also, capital improvements of more than $15 million,
including ADA improvements, life safety work and renovation of the athletic field complex.
Implementation of Response to Intervention programs and Positive Behavior Interventions/ Supports
Technology improvements including 1:1 utilization of Chromebooks as Chromebook carts and six
computer labs. A new wireless network and fiber optic cabling have been installed in all six schools.
School security has been upgraded
Lake
Dr. Daniel Coles
Wauconda Comm 118