Meridian Community Unit School District #223

PRESS RELEASE: Dr. PJ Caposey Named 2023 Illinois Superintendent of the Year Dr. PJ Caposey, superintendent of Meridian CUSD #223, has been named the 2023 Illinois Superintendent of the Year by the Illinois Association of School Administrators. The award was presented Saturday (November 19) during the Joint Annual Conference in Chicago co-sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB), the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO) and IASA. Nominees are judged on the following criteria: academic achievement, preparing students for the future, social-emotional support, teaching and instruction and leadership. “After learning I would receive this honor, I immediately called my wife. When she picked up the phone, I suddenly could not speak to tell her the news as I was flooded with emotion,” said Dr. Caposey, who has been superintendent of Meridian CUSD #223 for 10 years and an educator for 19 years. “The emotion was borne out of the immense gratitude I have for the Meridian 223 community, particularly our Board of Education and Leadership Team, and a deep recognition of the journey that we have been on together. I am unabashedly proud of the work we have done, and the turnaround we have created for the kids and community that we serve. I am acutely aware that I have the privilege of receiving this award based on the incredibly hard work of everyone in, and around, our wonderful district. Said simply, thank you to my wonderfully supportive and understanding family, the outstanding MCUSD team and to IASA for this once-in-a-lifetime honor.” Turnaround in Meridian CUSD #223 An independent panel selected Dr. Caposey for Illinois Superintendent of the Year based on the significant turnaround he facilitated in Meridian CUSD #223, a district of about 1,400 students in Ogle County. When he was hired in 2013, the rural district was in a financial crisis, had extremely limited technology, a high staff turnover rate and outdated curriculum and teaching strategies. After making significant budget cuts, Dr. Caposey led a successful referendum campaign (the first of two successful referendums) that put the district on solid financial footing and paved the way for the implementation of numerous improvements. His accomplishments include: Six consecutive years of being recognized by US News and World Report as a Top Achieving High School. Never recognized previously. Over 85 percent of graduates earned college credit in the 2021-22 school year. Over one-third of students earned over a full semester of college credits. Changed the district’s foundational approach at the K-5 level in both English Language Arts and math. As a result of changes, students in Meridian CUSD #223 have not experienced learning loss throughout the pandemic. Recognized as an EduJedi School, District Administration District of Distinction and ISTE Making IT Happen winner as a result of the district’s technology transformation. Meridian CUSD #223 is 1:1 with ubiquitous wifi, even in student homes, after not having working email before Dr. Caposey arrived. Increased participation and performance in AP courses, earning the recognition as a School of Opportunity. Increased access to algebra in eighth grade and extended advanced coursework down into fifth grade. Implemented a mentoring program that has led to a 20 percent increase in ninth grade students on track to graduate. Added the position of College and Career Coordinator, which has helped prepare students for the future and establish partnerships with companies and organizations in the region. Improved social-emotional supports for students by adopting the Leader in Me program, expanding the district’s counseling department and implementing policies and procedures focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. Developed an instructional coaching program, invested in professional development and adopted internal culture metrics. Reduced the annual turnover rate of staff from over 10 percent to having multiple years in the last five with zero voluntary turnover among teacher staff. “Every once and a while you get to be a part of something special,” said John Smith, Board President of Meridian CUSD #223. “What we have been able to accomplish in Meridian over the past decade, and the relationships we have been able to build, is something unlike I had ever experienced before. I am extremely thankful that Dr. Caposey was our Superintendent during this time, and I am confident that we would not be where we are today without his leadership. We have grown as colleagues and friends, and I personally am very thankful that I have gotten to know him. He has made each of us better as well as our district. I could not think of a more deserving person for this honor.” National speaker, presenter and author In addition to leading Meridian CUSD #223, Dr. Caposey is a nationally-known speaker, presenter and author. In the past few years, he has led over 100 workshop sessions in over 15 states reaching an estimated 10,000 educators. He has authored eight books, published more than 50 blogs/articles and has served as the keynote speaker at large conferences, including a TEDx Talk. Furthermore, Dr. Caposey teaches at two universities, leads the Illinois Principals Association Building Leaders Cohort and averages 10 coaching clients per year. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, he emerged as a thought leader, appearing on NPR, CBS and The Washington Post. Dr. Brent Clark, executive director of IASA, described Dr. Caposey as a dynamic leader and passionate educator who cares deeply about improving the lives of students in Meridian CUSD #223 and elevating public education nationwide. “The turnaround PJ has facilitated in Meridian 223 is a shining example of why strong leadership matters,” Dr. Clark said. “The changes he’s made, the programs he’s implemented and the culture he’s built has drastically improved the lives of students. Accomplishing those feats takes a uniquely talented person, and PJ is unquestionably one of the most expressive leaders and gifted communicators I have ever met.” The Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA) is the state’s premier advocacy organization for school administrators with about 1,750 members.

Our Kindergarten friends have been learning about plants. They learned about how George Washington Carver used to paint with plants. Today, some friends tried it out! We love seeing them try new things and apply their learning. #WeAreMCUSD

Thank you to all who came out to help us celebrate our Veterans at our 2nd Grade concert. We’re grateful for all who have served in our great community! #WeAreMCUSD

Highland Elementary is kicking off their food drive this Monday, November 14th! Help us support those in need by bringing donations to the Highland office. More information can be found in the link below: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-qmrn_7NkMUfgrnUY-30Omy0rPaIfoEjaswxGZyZmLo/edit

Thank you to a great group of community volunteers who came in today and will be coming a couple of times a month to read with our students after school. Highland is so grateful for this group of individuals who truly do care for their cardinals! #WeAreMCUSD

Mrs. Barton’s 7th grade students participated in a Halloween/science themed escape room today. Fun was had by all! #WeAreMCUSD

Mrs. Barton’s 7th grade students participated in a Halloween/science themed escape room today. Fun was had by all! #WeAreMCUSD

Officer Ruggeberg escorted our PreK friends today on their costume parade at Highland. We’re so grateful for fun and such a great relationship with our SRO! #WeAreMCUSD

MJHS students enjoyed a fall themed assembly today-complete with mummy races, pumpkin relays, candy corn races and gourd relays. Thanks to all who participated! #WeAreMCUSD

MJHS 8th grade students had the privilege to listen and learn from Joseph Green today about facing the world while being kind. #WeAreMCUSD

Thank you to the Burpee Museum for coming to give our students a LIVE reptiles assembly today. They had a blast and even made a couple of scared educators hold snakes! #WeAreMCUSD

The SVHS and MJHS band programs hosted a thrilling showcase of musical talent during tonight’s concert. Shout out to all musicians and Mr. John Gelasi, director, and Miss Maglio, assistant director. Congratulations and well done! #WeAreMCUSD

Thank you to our amazing Stillman Valley Fire Department for coming to talk with our students about fire safety. Our PreK and Kindergarten friends got to visit them today at the fire station. We’re continually grateful for great community partnerships! #WeAreMCUSD

The MJHS Student Lighthouse Team engaged in leadership activities this morning with our Leader In Me coach, Ms. Hearn and Lighthouse coordinators, Mrs. Barton and Mrs. Close. It’s a great day to be a SV Cardinal! #WeAreMCUSD

Dr. Caposey visited Highland today to read with our 2nd Grade friends. He was so impressed with what they already knew about Asia, that he pulled out a globe and started learning with them! #WeAreMCUSD

Our preschool friends are loving their engagement with the Osmo! It is a great way to combine both physical and technological skills together. We love seeing them so excited and engaged! #WeAreMCUSD

Mrs. Metzger, our K-5 ELA instructional coach, got to teach a lesson in one of our kindergarten classes. The kids had a crazy good time on crazy hair/hat day! #WeAreMCUSD

Mr. McDevitt's 6th grade history classes decoded an Egyptian message today. Students had to use a flashlight and a partner to decipher hieroglyphics to unveil a secret message. #WeAreMCUSD

Highland Families, After careful inspection, we have determined that there are no lingering issues associated with last night's incident at Highland Elementary. As of 11 AM, our Buildings & Grounds teams are continuing to work to clean all surfaces contaminated by smoke and clean the air. Furthermore, the smell of burnt electrical is significantly better than this morning. At this point, we are confident that the school is ready to be back in session tomorrow, Tuesday, September 20th. Thank you again to Mr. Kenny Lamer and our entire Buildings & Grounds team for the work they have done to ensure we're able to get school back in session as quickly as possible. Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and look forward to returning to school safely tomorrow. Thank you, Joe Mullikin Principal, Highland Elementary School

On September 16, 2022, Mr. Russ Crull joined Jen Speakes at Meridian Junior High as the principal for a day. This year we’re recognizing local legends within the community and school district and welcoming them into the building to experience our schooldays firsthand. When asked about his experience today: “During my time as principal for a day, I was able to view a number of different classrooms and activities, talk to the administration and teachers, and view a normal school day at Meridian Junior High. It was a great time and the first time I had stepped foot in a principal’s office since the early 2000’s. I am very thankful Mrs. Speakes invited me to be principal for a day.” What makes Meridian a great district to be a part of? - “The students and staff were the highlight of my time as principal for a day. Everyone I met was warm and welcoming, answered my questions about their classrooms or roles, and otherwise made the experience enjoyable. Aside from the school itself, the Meridian District always seems to have the full support of their communities.” Tell us about your experience with Meridian (as a student or community member) - “I am not a former student of Meridian, but, as a lifelong resident of Ogle County, have many friends and colleagues who either graduated from Meridian or whose kids go here currently. The school district is known for their tremendous staff, high quality education, and extracurricular activities. I look forward to continuing to support Meridian district and believe the school is in great shape.” Tell us about your current work and roles - “I am a partner and attorney at Tess, Crull & Arnquist, LLC in Rochelle where I have been a practicing attorney since 2014. Aside from my work as an attorney, I serve on the Ogle County Bar Association, Byron Chamber of Commerce, and Foundation for Focus House Boards. In my free time, I am an avid outdoorsman and conservationist.” #WeAreMCUSD