Kevin Finnegan
South Beloit,IL
Summary
Visionary leader with a proven ability to inspire and motivate colleagues to collaborate effectively in a collegial environment. Deep understanding of the challenges faced education, consistently driving innovation and fostering a positive work culture. Strong leadership skills and passion for education make him an invaluable asset in creating an environment that promotes growth and success for both students and staff.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Superintendent
Rockton School District
01.2024 - Current
- Created and updated safety plans for entire district of over 1500 students
- Chaired Literacy Task Force to evaluate literacy practices throughout the district and update to fit practices of Science of Reading and Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan
- Led Leadership Team of Curriculum Coordinator, Tech Director, Maintenance Director and building principals in monthly leadership meetings
Elementary School Principal
Prairie Hill School
01.2011 - 01.2024
- Led building that was 2014 and 2023 National Blue Ribbon Award recipient and is one of 85 worldwide elementary schools designated a Model PLC school by Solution Tree
- Awarded 2023 Terrel H. Bell Award by the United States Department of Education as an exemplary building leader
- Recognized as one of three schools in Illinois to be a Spotlight School at 2017 Raising Student Achievement Conference
- Initiated, planned, created, and developed first-ever Northern Illinois Small District Conference, an event for more than 500 educators and multiple vendors
- Collaborated with staff on new schedule to develop a professional-learning community structure within building
- Implemented first-ever Standards-Referenced Report Card at building, a common reporting document throughout the grade levels Pre-K through 4th
- Ran school that was awarded Academic Excellence Award for quality in six consecutive years
- Developed first-ever Pre-K at school, incorporating the first truly blended Pre-K in the area, a model since replicated at numerous neighboring districts
- Administrated building for school labeled 'Well Organized' (highest rating possible) by the 5Essentials survey required by law in the state of Illinois
- Oversaw building that has received three consecutive years as Exemplary Status by Illinois Board of Education, only school to achieve that in Boone-Winnebago Counties (over 60 schools)
- Co-chaired and assisted on committees on teacher evaluation, RtI, curriculum and assessment, elementary standards-based report cards, finance, district curriculum alignment and was head of district ELA committee
- Improved state IAR scores to be in the top 2% of the state
Middle School Assistant Principal/Principal
North Boone Middle School
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Collaborated and Implemented NBMS CARES, a positive behavior intervention plan
- Created district RtI plan and headed committee for district RtI implementation
- Instituted Guided Study program for progress monitoring as part of RtI
- Attended daily team meetings, district leadership meetings, district board meetings, every Parent-Teacher Organization meeting, Special Education IEP meetings, and 504 meetings
- Constructed and administered numerous staff development workshops, on such topics as RtI, PBIS, Common Formative Assessments, Productive and Effective Meetings, AIMSweb, and Interdisciplinary Units
- Analyzed data along with teachers to determine best placement for students
- Created and updated building website at www.northboonems.com
- Authored Principal’s Blog from the web page, with weekly updates
- Designed and executed entire student schedules through PowerSchool for 275 students
- Collaborated with staff daily about lessons, classroom management ideas, and differentiated lessons
- Chaired district science curriculum committee and sat on the committee for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment and committee for Discipline Code
- Examined and carried out discipline code in regards to student discipline issues
Middle School English Teacher
North Boone Middle School
06.2006 - 06.2009
- Designed interdisciplinary units as middle school team leader
- Coordinated fund raiser for family who lost home in fire by creating Students vs
- Staff basketball game
- Planned and modeled staff development unit on Professional Learning Communities
- Coached high school volleyball and baseball while a teacher in the district
- Raised state writing scores from 54% to 79% while teaching English
- Organized school and community forum for House of Representative candidates to come speak to students
Middle School Reading and English Teacher
Challenger Middle School
06.2005 - 06.2006
Education
Doctoral Program - Educational Administration and Foundations
Illinois State University
Normal, Illinois03.2025
Type 75 Masters Certification Program - Educational Leadership Program
DePaul University
Chicago, Illinois06.2010
Masters - Elementary Education
Aurora University
Aurora, Illinois12.2004
Bachelors - Communication
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio06.2002
Certification
Illinois General Administrative Professional Educators License, 06/30/25, 1814913, Superintendent, General Administrative, Chief School Business Official
Awards
- 2016 Puri Family Golden Apple Foundation Outstanding Principal Award
- 2017 Illinois Board of Education Those Who Excel Award of Excellence in School Administration
- 2023 U.S. Department of Education Terrel H. Bell Award for Principal Excellence
- Podcast guest on Transformative Principals (episode 333) and Extraordinary Educators (episode 65)
- Organizer and speaker at the Small District Conference
- Featured speaker at Raising Student Achievement Conference for four years
- Guest editorial writer for Rockford Register-Star on reopening schools following pandemic
- Opening Day Speaker/Presenter for Channahon School District
- Featured speaker at ISBE conference, IEA/NEA conference, Curriculum Associates conference, and Illinois Teacher’s Conference
Testimonials
- "He has a relationship with every single staff member, teacher, and student in this building." Mrs. Traci Hill, Pre-K Teacher
- "We always liked how you were constantly positive toward the kids on your team even when things were not going well." Brad Salley and Tom Sternquist, Umpires
- "Teachers enjoy working with Kevin and trust and respond to his judgment." Mr. Pete Rehnberg, Principal
- "His drive for the industry, the community, the parents, his staff, and of course, the students shine through each day." Mrs. Kimberly Aulenbacher, School Board President
- "Kevin is a passionate leader who has the skill and understanding to inspire his colleagues to work in a collegial manner to meet the challenges of a twenty-first century school." Mr. Ted Rehl, Former Superintendent
- "(Kevin) has proven through enthusiasm, dedication, and compassion that he could empower a staff and community to be better than ever expected." Mrs. Amy Wright, Reading Specialist/ Teacher Coach
Timeline
Assistant Superintendent
Rockton School District
01.2024 - Current
Elementary School Principal
Prairie Hill School
01.2011 - 01.2024
Middle School Assistant Principal/Principal
North Boone Middle School
01.2009 - 01.2011
Middle School English Teacher
North Boone Middle School
06.2006 - 06.2009
Middle School Reading and English Teacher
Challenger Middle School
06.2005 - 06.2006
Type 75 Masters Certification Program - Educational Leadership Program
DePaul University
Masters - Elementary Education
Aurora University
Bachelors - Communication
Ohio University
Doctoral Program - Educational Administration and Foundations
Illinois State University
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