The leader of Peoria Public Schools is the 2025 Illinois Superintendent of the Year.
Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat received the honor from the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA) during a conference Saturday in Chicago. A news release from the IASA says the awards’ nominees are judged on student, teacher, district and community success.
The joint annual conference also is sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Boards and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials.
The organization says an independent panel chose Desmoulin-Kherat based on “innovative approaches the district has taken to best serve a diverse student population.” Specifically, the association noted her efforts to fill teacher shortages, expand available resources at the district’s Wraparound Center and secure secondary education programs through a partnership with Caterpillar.
The IASA also mentions improvements in graduation and dropout rates, the renovation of Peoria Stadium, a district-wide cell phone ban and transitioning to a year-long calendar.
"No significant achievement is the work of a single individual, and this award is no exception,” said Desmoulin-Kherat in a news release from IASA. “Our journey may be demanding, but it is undeniably rewarding, bringing life-changing benefits to our children.”
The IASA, a state advocacy organization for school administrators, has around 1,750 members.
