Community High School District 99 Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele has been named 2022 Superintendent of Distinction by his colleagues in the DuPage Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA). Thiele was honored at an awards luncheon on May 4 in Springfield, where State Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala was the featured speaker. In total, 21 IASA regional Superintendents of Distinction from across the state were recognized.
District 99 Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele (center) with President of the Illinois Association of School Officials Dr. Brent Clark and Illinois State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen Ayala. Thiele was named 2022 Superintendent of Distinction by his DuPage colleagues.
“I appreciate and am honored that my peers, who truly understand the daily work of the superintendent, believe that my work is a positive representation for our profession and our role in the school community,” said Thiele, who has been an educator for 25 years and superintendent of District 99 for six years. “The strong culture of collaboration among superintendents across DuPage County allows me the opportunity to succeed at a high level. I am also greatly appreciative of my wife and my family that supports me serving in a role that is often challenging and results in an impact on those closest to me on a daily basis.”
Those nominating Thiele noted a number of successes during his tenure including:
- Renovated and modernized Downers Grove North and South high schools resulting from the passage of a $136 million referendum.
- Fostered a district culture built on continual improvement and strategic planning.
- Became one of the first districts to ensure there were no students with a digital divide.
- Continually focused on the whole child and their academic, physical and social emotional needs.
- Established an educational and career pathways program.
- Provided a high level of transparency and access to students, families and the community through consistent and varied communication strategies.
The DuPage Region is contiguous with DuPage County. Superintendents of Distinction were selected by peers in their region based on their commitment, dedication and leadership.
“Superintendents across Illinois navigated immense challenges this school year, so it really is an honor to stand out and be recognized by your peers for outstanding leadership and elevating student success,” said IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark. “Each of these superintendents are great examples of how strong leadership can improve the educational environment for students, strengthen communities and continuously push districts forward.”
The eighth annual luncheon was again sponsored by Horace Mann, one of the nation’s largest insurers focusing on the needs of educators.
“Superintendents continued to face unprecedented challenges this school year as students and teachers returned to the classroom,” said Marita Zuraitis, Horace Mann President and CEO. “Strong leadership has never been more critical. We are proud to recognize these Superintendents of Distinction for navigating their districts through the ongoing pursuit of providing a quality education for their students.”
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