Greenwood schools’ top leader is the 2020 Indiana Superintendent of the Year.
The Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents announced its decision in a news release Tuesday, choosing Greenwood schools Superintendent Kent DeKoninck among superintendents from eight regions of the state.
DeKoninck, in his eighth year with Greenwood schools, plans to retire at the end of the year. During his tenure, starting teacher salaries have increased by 30%, the district opened a new middle school building and it went from being in the top 40% in ILEARN and ISTEP test scores to being in the top 15%, according to the news release.
DeKoninck is now in the running for National Superintendent of the Year.
DeKoninck said he is most proud of the school community coming together for the well-being of students.
“All along during my time here, we’ve had an outstanding school community,” DeKoninck said. “What makes a good school district is the community of businesses and supporters, then obviously the parents, teachers, students and administrators who all pull together for the same mission. I’ve been appreciative since my first day in the district, how the community supports what we do and we have an atmosphere of pulling together to make things happen.”
DeKoninck’s success leading the district is due to the relationships he has built at Greenwood schools, said Todd Pritchett, assistant superintendent.
“One of the things that stands out, of course, are the relationships he’s built and the climate of trust that has gone a long way with the overall school community and Greenwood community as a whole,” Pritchett said.
DeKoninck said he is honored to wrap up his career at Greenwood schools.
“I’m really most proud of the way I’ve been able to end my career in Greenwood,” DeKoninck said. “What we’ve been able to do as a school community is something I wish every superintendent in the state could experience.”
