Dr. Neil Lesinski, superintendent of Community High School District 155, has been named the 2026 Superintendent of Distinction by the Kishwaukee Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA). He will be recognized at an awards luncheon on April 23 in Springfield.

Superintendents of Distinction are selected by peers within their region in recognition of exceptional leadership, commitment, and service to students and communities. The Kishwaukee Region includes Kane, DeKalb, McHenry, Boone, and Winnebago counties. Dr. Lesinski is one of just 21 superintendents statewide to receive this honor in 2026.

“I am humbled to receive this award. It reflects the incredible dedication of our staff, determination of our students, partnership of our families, and the unwavering support of our community and Board of Education. I am proud to serve alongside such an exceptional team, said Dr. Neil Lesinski, superintendent.”

Strategic Planning: Progress with Purpose

In his first year as superintendent in 2023, Dr. Lesinski led a collaborative process involving staff, students, parents, and community members to develop the district’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan and its first Portrait of a Graduate. The plan establishes five priority areas: student success, student well-being, workforce excellence, community partnerships, and finance and facilities.

Academic Growth & Student Success

Under Dr. Lesinski’s leadership, District 155 has demonstrated measurable academic growth. Since summer 2024, the percentage of students earning a 2.8 GPA or higher has increased from 66.4% to nearly 70% as of January 2026. Growth among multilingual learners has been especially significant, rising from 33.3% to more than 42% of students earning a 2.8 GPA or higher during the same period. Overall, 71% of students have improved their GPA.

Student Engagement & Attendance

Districtwide attendance increased 1.1% this year, reaching 94%. Student participation in extracurricular activities also grew from 65.8% to 69%. Additionally, 94% of students report a strong sense of belonging within their school.

Post-Secondary Planning & Career Pathways

Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, students are gaining real-world experience aligned to their interests. During the 2024–2025 school year, students participated in more than 1,400 career-based learning experiences and completed 176 micro-internships. In 2025–2026, that number is projected to grow to 300 micro-internships.

Fiscal Responsibility & Operational Excellence

District 155 continues to maintain the highest financial recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education and has received national awards for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report from both the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) and the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

The district has also prioritized operational sustainability. It installed the largest roof-mounted solar system in greater McHenry County, projected to generate approximately $6 million in energy savings over 25 years. The addition of zero-emission buses has reduced greenhouse gas emissions and maintenance costs. These initiatives were largely funded through federal, state, and local incentives, avoiding any increase to the local tax burden.

Under the 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, the district is also modernizing athletic and extracurricular facilities, including stadium and theater renovations designed to enhance safety, accessibility, and student engagement. These improvements are being funded through strategic allocation of existing resources.

In 2024, Dr. Lesinski was also named a finalist for the Illinois Innovative Superintendent of the Year award, recognized for his creative and forward-thinking approach to continuous improvement.