May 5, 2021 – Today the Illinois Association of School Administrators Southwestern Region named Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich their Superintendent of Distinction. The announcement was made during a luncheon in Springfield, IL.
Collinsville’s Skertich named ‘Superintendent of Distinction’
Illinois Association of School Administrators
Contact: Jason Nevel
Director of Social Media and Publication
SPRINGFIELD— Dr. Brad Skertich, superintendent of Collinsville CUSD #10, has been named the 2021 Superintendent of Distinction by his colleagues in the Southwestern Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA).
Skertich was honored at an awards luncheon May 5 in Springfield. State Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala was the featured speaker, where 21 IASA regional Superintendents of Distinction were recognized.
“I am fortunate to work with an amazing group of educators that are passionate about making a difference in their students’ lives,” said Skertich, who has been an educator for 23 years and superintendent in Collinsville CUSD #10 for two years. Skertich was superintendent at Southwestern CUSD #9 for nine years before coming to Collinsville.
Those nominating Skertich noted his leadership and efforts to close the digital divide this past year. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Collinsville CUSD #10 focused on ensuring the district was 1:1, breaking down the connectivity barrier and meeting students’ academic and social emotional needs regardless of the learning setting. In less than one year, the district expanded its 1:1 technology to pre-K through 12th grades, utilized federal CARES money to construct a Private LTE Network, as well as purchase hotspots and support teachers’ efforts to provide synchronous and asynchronous instruction.
“Our main focus was to make sure our students and staff had every resource at their disposal while educating students during a pandemic,” Skertich said.
Each Superintendent of Distinction was nominated based on their commitment, dedication and leadership.
“These extraordinary individuals are exceptional leaders and difference makers in their communities,” said IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark. “Throughout their careers, each honoree has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to elevating the success of students in their districts.”
The seventh annual luncheon was again sponsored by Horace Mann, one of the nation’s largest insurers focusing on the needs of educators.
“Superintendents have had to be more flexible, nimble, creative and understanding this year than ever before,” said Marita Zuraitis, Horace Mann President and CEO. “Horace Mann recognizes all superintendents for what they have done in the face of the constantly changing learning environment and concern around the health and safety of their staff and students. We’re proud to honor those Superintendents of Distinction who are being recognized for providing strong learning models and supporting their community this year.”
The Southwestern Region is comprised of Jersey, Madison, St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph counties.