Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Matthew Sturgeon, superintendent of Teutopolis CUSD #50, has been named the 2025 Superintendent of Distinction by his colleagues in the Wabash Valley Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA).
Sturgeon was honored at an awards luncheon May 15 in Springfield. State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders was the featured speaker, where 21 IASA regional Superintendents of Distinction were recognized.
“This recognition is a testament to the incredible educators, students, and community members who make our district thrive,” said Sturgeon, who has been an educator for 19 years and superintendent for five. “Our passionate students inspire us daily, our dedicated teachers and staff shape enriching experiences for all, and the unwavering support of Wooden Shoe families strengthens our foundation for success. With strong leadership from our governance board and management team, Teutopolis continues to grow, innovate, and help everyone in their pursuit of becoming the best versions of themselves.”
“Across the Wabash Valley, hardworking superintendents and district staff navigate challenges, foster collaboration, and shape a vision of excellence in education for our local communities. Their efforts ensure students have access to the best possible learning opportunities. This honor reflects the passion and commitment of all those who dedicate their lives to shaping the future through education, reaffirming the belief that teaching is not just a profession, but a calling to serve.”
Those nominating Sturgeon noted a number of Teutopolis CUSD #50 successes during his tenure:
- Recognized for academic excellence, earning multiple exemplary summative designations and a National Blue Ribbon Award;
- Expanded student opportunities, providing greater access to post-secondary pathways, dual credit programs, and career technical education through community and business partnerships;
- Strengthened student support systems, enhancing counseling, social-emotional learning, college/career planning, and extracurricular diversity;
- Improved facilities, creating a long-range facility plan for improving safety and modernizing instructional spaces for students and staff;
- Championed financial stewardship, ensuring fiscal responsibility and pursing new funding sources to support district initiatives;
- Elevated staff culture, fostering a supportive work environment and enhancing compensation, contributing to a 94.1% teacher retention rate;
The Wabash Valley Region is comprised of Cumberland, Clark, Effingham, Jasper, Crawford, Clay, Richland, Lawrence, Edwards and Wabash counties. Superintendents of Distinction were selected by peers in their region based on their commitment, dedication and leadership.
“Effective school leadership requires both vision and the ability to execute,” said IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark. “Matthew Sturgeon has demonstrated both qualities consistently throughout his career in Teutopolis. His focus on building community partnerships while enhancing educational opportunities has created lasting positive change for students.”
The 11th annual luncheon was sponsored by Stifel, the country’s leading underwriter of K-12 school bonds.
“The superintendents honored today exemplify the depth of leadership and personal commitment that exceptional superintendents bring to their districts to serve students and staff to be the best they can be,” said Anne Noble, Managing Director of Stifel. “Stifel’s longtime commitment to IASA culminates in honoring these amazing superintendents and thanking them for all they do for the students of Illinois.”
2025 IASA Superintendents of Distinction
- Abe Lincoln: Tip Reedy, Williamsville CUSD #15
- Blackhawk: Dr. Adam Brumbaugh, Geneseo CUSD #228
- Central Illinois Valley: Dr. Kyle Freeman, Washington CHSD #308
- Cook North: Dr. Shawn Schleizer, East Maine SD #63
- Cook South: Dr. Johnnie Thomas, Rich Twp HSD #227
- Cook West: Dr. Kevin Skinkis, Riverside-Brookfield Twp HSD #208
- Corn Belt: Jon Kilgore, Pontiac Twp HSD #90
- DuPage: Dr. Jeff Schuler, CUSD #200
- Egyptian: Mike Denault, Waltonville CUSD #1
- Illini: Barb Thompson, Fisher CUSD #1
- Kaskaskia: David Powell, Hillsboro CUSD #3
- Kishwaukee: Dr. Ehren Jarrett, Rockford SD #205
- Lake: Dr. Jesse J. Rodriguez, Zion-Benton Twp HSD #126
- Northwest: Dr. Alex Kashner, Eastland CUSD #308
- Shawnee: Kathy Clark, Johnston City CUSD #1
- Southwestern: Dr. Carrie Hruby, O'Fallon CCSD #90
- Starved Rock: Dr. Michael Miller, Henry-Senachwine CUSD #5
- Three Rivers: Dr. Shannon Dudek, Morris SD #54
- Two Rivers: Dr. Donna Veile, Payson CUSD #1
- Wabash Valley: Matt Sturgeon, Teutopolis CUSD #50
- Western: Angela Simmons-Kenser, CUSD #3 Fulton County
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