D128's Lea Named Superintendent of the Year

The Lake County Superintendent's Association has honored School District 128 Superintendent Prentiss Lea as the Lake County Superintendent of the Year. Lea was recognized at the LCS Annual Awards Night held May 22 at Stevens' Restaurant in Gurnee.

The award, presented by the LCS each spring, is voted on by LCS members. Lea received the award from outgoing Lake County Superintendent of the Year Donaldo Batiste, superintendent at Waukegan Community Unit School District 60.  

Lea was recognized for his leadership in facilitating LCS efforts to develop more productive working relationships with state legislators, to provide legislators with financial impact data and other relevant information regarding proposed public school legislation, and to work with public school advocate groups to communicate with legislators. 

"This award was certainly unanticipated, and I am truly flattered, honored and humbled that my very capable Lake County superintendent colleagues chose to recognize me," Lea said.

Current LCS president and superintendent of Beach Park School District 3 Robert DiVirgilio noted, “Dr. Lea has been an integral part of LCS for several years, and I have been impressed by his ability to develop and maintain effective connections and relationships in the legislature.”

DiVirgilio added, “With Prentiss’ leadership, we developed and implemented a legislative task force to address important issues with our legislators and to ensure that our superintendents are informed of the issues that may impact our students, parents and communities.”

In addition, LCS President-Elect Guy Schumacher, superintendent of Libertyville Elementary District 70 said, “It was a pleasure to be a part of honoring Prentiss this year. He has been instrumental in keeping the association well informed of legislative topics and political issues.”

Regarding LCS legislative work, Lea stated, "In order for legislators to make good policy decisions for public education, superintendents must communicate, partner and work with legislators regardless of party affiliation, and I am very proud of LCS efforts to work more effectively with our legislators to ensure high-quality public schools for our students."

Lea has served as the District 128 Superintendent since July 2008, and was the associate superintendent for three years prior to becoming the superintendent. He serves on the Illinois High School District Organization Executive Board and as the LCS Illinois Association of School Administrators Legislative Representative and the LCS Legislative Chair.  

Lea served as a principal for 12 years at Glenbard North, Rich East and Crete-Monee high schools before coming to District 128, and serves as an educational consultant in leadership, strategic and school improvement planning, and communication.