Dr. Matt Mayer, Superintendent of District 3, was named the Illinois Principals Association's (IPA) Kishwaukee Region Superintendent of the Year on Wednesday, January 28, at the IPA regional meeting. District students and staff celebrated this honor earlier in the week at the district’s schools and the Board of Education meeting on January 26.
Dr. Mayer has been with D3 for over two years and has made a significant impact during this time. From day one, his focus was on academic growth and excellence for all students in the district.
During his time with the district, Dr. Mayer has led the planning and implementation of the district’s new strategic plan focused on student success and staff well-being and the Portrait of a Graduate profile. Teachers and staff have utilized the Professional Learning Community (PLC) model to collaborate and build engaging curriculum and learning opportunities for students.
These initiatives and many others have shown immediate results and impressive academic growth in the district. Under Mayer’s leadership, D3 has become a place where student engagement is a priority. Daily, teachers utilize challenging and engaging curriculum to meet students where they are, while district leaders focus on streamlining operations to provide support for these efforts.
During the 2024-2025 school year, student proficiency rates across the district grew. Both campuses saw growth in all areas, including ELA and math. These figures confirm a strong foundation for academic success, showing student growth and high performance. This is reinforced by ARS's state recognition as an Exemplary School, ranking it in the top 10% of Illinois public schools.
His time in D3 hasn’t solely been focused on academics. Dr. Mayer has made it a point to provide opportunities for students and staff wherever possible. When basketball tryouts featured more fifth graders than expected, the district created a new fifth-grade basketball team.
“We were surprised at the number of students who wanted to play,” said Dr. Mayer in a recent article about the new team. “When you see that much enthusiasm and energy, we will never say ‘No.’ Sports give younger students a reason to feel connected to their school community.”
Dr. Mayer's nomination for this award came from Jessica McKenzie, the former principal of Fox River Grove Middle School. Mrs. McKenzie's nomination highlighted her belief in the transformational power of Dr. Mayer's leadership.
“He knows every staff member by name and makes a genuine effort to connect with students as well. Each day, he can be found in the buildings meeting with teachers, greeting students, and offering guidance and support,” McKenzie wrote in her nomination. “He actively participates in team meetings and leads by example, encouraging open dialogue about best practices and how to best meet student needs.”
In celebration of Dr. Mayer's recognition, students of D3 took a little time to decorate and autographs banners congratulating him.
This Kishwaukee Region Superintendent of the Year recognizes the district leader who demonstrates a deep commitment to student success through visionary leadership and collaboration with others. Dr. Mayer showcases this type of leadership daily, whether through his conversations with parents about elevating curriculum and student engagement or through his monthly staff newsletters that help the district gauge and respond to staff morale.
The recipient is recognized for excellence in advancing academic innovation, strengthening school culture, building strong community partnerships, and contributing to the broader education profession.
As the region’s honoree, Dr. Mayer also becomes a nominee for Illinois Superintendent of the Year, representing the high caliber of leadership across North-Central Illinois.