02/12/2026
We have THREE amazing staff members to celebrate today! Congratulations to Ms. Kuta, Ms. Rink and Mr. Potvin on their incredibly well-deserved recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education!
We're proud to celebrate EIGHT outstanding staff members who have been recognized through the Illinois State Board of Education's Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards this year:
🏆 Gustavo Atempa, Spanish Interpreter (Districtwide) — Award of Excellence
🏆 Michelle Kuta, art teacher at Frost Elementary School — Award of Meritorious Service
🏆 Allison Parker, eighth-grade language arts teacher at Jack London Middle School — Award of Meritorious Service
🏆 Connor Potvin, fourth-grade teacher at Frost Elementary School — Award of Excellence
🏆 Gordana Rink, second-grade bilingual Spanish teacher at Frost Elementary School — Award of Meritorious Service
🏆 Marcela Rodriguez, bilingual/English-as-a-second-language instructional specialist (Districtwide) — Award of Special Recognition
🏆 Samantha Roth, principal of Whitman Elementary School — Award of Special Recognition
🏆 Jaclyn Share, language services teacher facilitator at Holmes Middle School — Award of Special Recognition
The Those Who Excel program honors educators and school staff across Illinois who demonstrate excellence, commitment, and meaningful impact in supporting students, families, and school communities. Honorees are nominated by peers and selected by ISBE based on their contributions to education and student success.
Our recipients will be honored at a statewide reception in Bloomington-Normal this April. Congratulations again to these incredible members of our district, and thank you for the difference you make every day!