3 suburban principals named the state's best

Three school administrators from the suburbs are among the four 2015-2016 Principals of the Year named by Horace Mann and the Illinois Principals Association. Award winners are: Gary Steiger of Palatine High School, Steve Lee of MacArthur Middle School in Prospect Heights, and Kaye Corrigan, assistant principal of Jefferson Junior High School in Naperville.

Steiger, principal of the school since 2002, was picked from 21 nominees, as were the other winners in their respective categories.

As student demographics rapidly changed, Steiger implemented staff training and development, as well as initiatives to improve the school environment and culture. He said he was grateful for the support he got from the school community.

"Our community of teachers, parents, and individuals have great ideas and want what's best for our students. They have found ways to make things happen and meet the needs of our students," he said.

"Each of these individuals is to be commended for the leadership they exhibit in their schools every day," said Jason Leahy, IPA executive director. Winners will be recognized at the IPA's annual fall conference in October and will receive a $1,000 honorarium.