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Kelly going out on a high note Du Quoin superintendent is 'humbled and appreciative' over top honor

DU QUOIN - Gary Kelly will wrap up more than three decades in education at the end of this school year. Now, the Du Quoin school superintendent will leave with one of the profession's highest honors tucked under his arm.

"I'm surprised, humbled and appreciative," said Kelly of his 2019 Superintendent of the Year award, given to him on Nov. 18 by the Illinois Association of School Administrators.

The award was presented during the Joint Annual Conference in Chicago co-sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Boards, the Illinois Association of School Business Officials and IASA.

Kelly, who has led the Du Quoin schools for 22 years, said the award is not about him.

"It's about our district, the great kids, teachers, faculty, staff, administration, board, community and parents," he said. "They do some great things."

Kelly said that the accomplishments that earned him the recognition come directly from the district's team-oriented motto, "Working together for all students."

Du Quoin Board member Larry Valier said Kelly's vision, leadership and caring attitude has allowed District 300 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. The district motto, he added, "is a derivative of his leadership style and determination to serve all students."

Kelly said that education is "a calling where you hope to make a difference."

One teacher did that for Kelly.

"Ceasar Maragni was my fifth grade teacher in Sesser-Valier in the 70s," he said. "He still has a positive impact on me."

Maragni, now retired and living in Marion, is a photojournalist for the Marion Republican, one of the Southern Illinois LOCAL Media group papers.

Kelly said that being an educator is in no small part about how you allow yourself to be used. "You have to remember that you may be the only positive influence a child has seen that day," he said

Nominees for the Superintendent of the Year award are judged on leadership for learning, communication, professionalism and community involvement.

Those who nominated Kelly highlighted major accomplishments in his 22-year tenure in Du Quoin, including:

he managed the district's budget through tough financial times without cutting academic or extracurricular programs or sending reduction-in-force notices to staff.

Passed two building referendums and two sales tax referendums to build and finance facility improvements.

Implemented blended classrooms at the elementary level that place students identified as at-risk for learning in rooms with a teacher and instructional aide who modify instruction to fit student needs.

Revamped the district's evaluation tools for both teachers and principals.

Helped establish an educational foundation to provide financial support in the form of classroom grants that support student learning. The grants also have provided more than 600 scholarships to graduating seniors and funded development of the Perry County CEO program.

Implemented focus group meetings with parents, community members and students to discuss and share various aspects of school improvement and programs.

Oversaw the development and continued revision of the district's strategic plan.

In his 33 years as an educator, Kelly has been a teacher, coach, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent. He is a past president of IASA, the Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce and the Du Quoin Lions Club and has served on numerous other boards.

He also is a member of the American Association of School Administrators and served on the AASA Executive Committee. He is a two-time recipient of the IASA Egyptian Region Superintendent of the Year Award.

Kelly is also a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Educational Administration and Higher Education at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, a job he will continue in retirement.

Brent Clark, executive director of IASA, described Kelly as a "tenacious" leader for his students, staff and community.

"He has never given up and has always kept fighting for improvements within his district.

"He is highly respected for his stewardship, knowledge and expertise," Clark said. "He truly is an exceptional school leader and role model who is well deserving of this honor."