August 13, 2021 – Daniel Toberman is the new principal of Collinsville High School beginning with the 2021-22 school year.
“I am excited to be part of a new era at Collinsville High School,” says Toberman. He succeeds Principal David Snider who retired at the end of the 2020-21 school year. Toberman has been part of the CHS staff for the past 14 years, serving 8 years as an English teacher and 5 years as assistant principal.
“Mr. Toberman has the ability to celebrate the successes of our students and staff but also make difficult decisions in the best interest of our students. He brings a wide range of experience to the position having served as a teacher and assistant principal at CHS for many years,” said Collinsville CUSD 10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich.
“He is very knowledgeable of the traditions and successful programs within the high school and able to determine areas of improvement as we move forward. I am excited to watch CHS continue to improve and flourish under the leadership of Mr. Toberman,” Skertich added.
Mr. Toberman says he wants to honor the rich history at Collinsville High School: “I want the great things we have going here to continue. I want to maintain all the traditions that make us special, the things that make us Kahoks. I hope I don’t make too many changes too quickly, but when I see ways to get better, I don’t want to wait around either. I want all members of the school community to expect me to do what is best for our school and our students. I want everyone to hold me accountable for doing so. I want all my decisions and those made by everyone here to be based on what is best for students.”
Toberman grew up in Fairview Heights and attended Belleville East High School. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and Education Specialist (Ed.S.) certification from SIUE, and a Master’s degree from McKendree University. He moved to the Collinsville Community in 2013.
“This has become my home. No one wants this place to be better than I do. I want to work together with all stakeholders to make sure CHS is the absolute best we can make it,” he says.
The 2021-22 school year presents challenges after last year’s remote and hybrid learning, but Toberman and CHS staff are prepared.
“The biggest issue we have coming back this year is the lack of connection many of our students have to our school. Some never came at all, and others were limited in how much they came last year,” said Toberman, “There is only one class of students currently in our school who have ever had a normal, full year as a Kahok, the seniors back when they were freshman. I want our students to love their school, and love being here.
“The theme for the year, in my eyes, is reengagement. How are we going to re-engage our students? That includes in the classroom, with activities, and just being on campus. What we have to offer our students is an absolutely incredible group of adults who want nothing more than to help our students.”
Toberman also wants to inspire students to excel and believe in themselves.
“I say to myself and tell my 6-year-old-son every morning to “win the day.” Winning the day for him can be trying his best in school, or just having fun at a friend’s house. For me, sometimes getting up early to work out wins the day. Sometimes it is a positive interaction with a student. One time it was getting hired as the principal at Collinsville High School. There are a lot of ways to win the day and it is different every day for every person. That is what I want every Kahok to try and do, students and staff alike, to win the day by being the best version of themselves.”
Mr. Toberman lives in Maryville with his wife, Amie, and 6-year-old son, Davis. He enjoys being active through participating in marathons, triathlons and Tough Mudder events.
“I am so excited about what we are going to accomplish at CHS this year and for many years. It’s a great time to be a Kahok!” says Toberman.