Suburban administrators honored as ‘Superintendents to Watch’ by national group
Two suburban school district administrators have been honored as “Superintendents to Watch” by a national group.
Elgin Area School District U-46’s Suzanne Johnson and Libertyville District 70’s Rebecca Jenkins were among 30 superintendents nationwide selected by the National School Public Relations Association.
The list recognizes “innovative superintendents in their first five years for outstanding leadership in fostering meaningful, two-way communication and strengthening community engagement,” according to the group’s website.
“These leaders understand that communication is not just about sharing information. It is about building relationships,” NSPRA Executive Director Barbara M. Hunter said in a press release. “Through meaningful engagement with families, staff, and community members, they are advancing their districts with clarity and purpose.”
Among her accomplishments, Johnson was lauded for leading the district’s “Unite U-46” effort — a community engagement initiative that successfully secured a $180 million bond approval in spring 2023, approved by a majority of voters in all three U-46 counties.
The decades-in-the-making project allowed the district to update its middle school model, with grades six through eight housed together, and replace or renovate older schools.
“Dr. Johnson is defining a culture that embraces collaboration for the benefit of students, families, and the overall economic prosperity of the region,” Nancy Coleman, executive director of the Alignment Collaborative for Education, said in a nomination letter. “Her unwavering commitment to supporting youth is always present as she works beside teachers and business community leaders to ensure students can graduate academic and career ready, prepared for successful futures.”
Jenkins was characterized as leading her district with “radical openness and humanity,” using communication as both a leadership practice and a strategic tool.
Under Jenkins’ leadership, District 70 has seen gains in both academic achievement and staff culture, with ELA proficiency increasing from 67.8 % to 74.2% in two years and teacher retention reaching a record high of 96%, according to the district.
She also launched the Superintendent’s Student Leadership Advisory Council, which elevates student voices to become true decision-making partners alongside the Board of Education.
“Rebecca leads with transparency and authenticity,” Jennifer Khan, president of the Libertyville District 70 school board, said in a press release. “She never shies away from difficult conversations, whether addressing environmental concerns with families, explaining complex budget decisions to our board, or guiding our community through moments of crisis. Her clear communication builds trust, and that trust has become the foundation of our district’s success.”
This year's “Superintendents to Watch” will be formally recognized at the NSPRA 2026 National Seminar in New Orleans in July.