MT. VERNON – The Egyptian Division of the Illinois Association of School Administrators is pleased to announce the selection of Waltonville Community Unit School District No. 1 Superintendent Michael Denault as the region’s Superintendent of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year. Mr. Denault, who has served as Waltonville’s superintendent for four years, will represent school superintendents from seven southern Illinois counties in the statewide Illinois Association of School Administrators’ 2025 Superintendent of the Year and Superintendent of Distinction award programs. Denault received the award at the Division’s regular meeting on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, in Mt. Vernon.
“We are pleased to have such a tireless, fresh champion for public education representing our group,” selection committee member and Sesser-Valier Superintendent Jason Henry said in a written statement issued Friday. “Mike is one of the most focused leaders that I’ve known. He has mastered both the professional and personal demands of the role, and he’s amazingly smart. He serves his school district with the highest levels of thoughtfulness, intellect, and professionalism, and he boldly tackles tough problems with creative, team-based solutions, building capacity in others to do the same. He’s a gifted, respected, and, most important, humble superintendent who literally rolls up his sleeves to do the tough work. He understands that public schools—especially smaller schools—are stronger together.”
“When I received notice of the award, I was speechless,” Denault said when asked about the honor. “It’s really not about me, but rather, is a manifestation of the work of the people I work alongside every day in Waltonville. They’re the reason behind this. Helping each other is just what we do, and it pays off in our work with kids every day. I couldn’t be more pleased, but I would be largely remiss if I didn’t recognize all of the help I’ve had along the way. I’m proud of my people.”
Denault’s award selection comes at a unique time in public education in Illinois. “Mike embodies the ideals of perseverance, service, and innovation,” Egyptian Division Secretary and Franklin-Jefferson Special Education Director Jera Pieper said after the award presentation. “He thrives on seeing his students, people, and colleagues succeed. He loves his staff members and his students, and they love him, too. We’re proud that he will represent the Egyptian Division through this award.”
The Egyptian Division of IASA, the regional branch of the statewide superintendents’ association, serves district superintendents in Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Perry, Washington, Wayne, and White counties.