Superintendent Brad Lee Honored by Egyptian Region of IASA

Mr. Brad Lee, Superintendent of Carmi White County Unit 5 schools is being honored by his colleagues.  Lee was named a Superintendent of Distinction Wednesday at an awards program held by the Egyptian Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators.  A total of 21 IASA regional Superintendents were recognized.

Lee says, “I have been blessed to work in the Carmi White County CUSD #5 for the past 30 yearsl  We have supportive board members, incredible administrators, remarkable teachers and unbelievable support staff.”  The Hamilton County native has been an educator for 32 years in total and superintendent for CWC Schools for the last decade.

The Egyptian Region is comprised of Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Perry, Washington, Wayne, and White Counties.

See the full release below:

Brad Lee, superintendent of Carmi-White County CUSD #5, has been named the 2021 Superintendent of Distinction by his colleagues in the Egyptian Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA).

Lee was honored at an awards luncheon May 5 in Springfield. State Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala was the featured speaker, where 21 IASA regional Superintendents of Distinction were recognized.

“I have been blessed to work in the Carmi-White County CUSD #5 school system for the past 30 years,” said Lee,
who has been an educator for 32 years and superintendent of the district for 10 years. “We have supportive
board members, incredible administrators, remarkable teachers and unbelievable support staff. The C-WC #5
school community is the best!” #bulldogpride

Lee deferred from sharing accomplishments and instead reflected on his values and approach to the superintendency.

“Educational accomplishments are not something that I have kept track of over the years. My mother was an elementary teacher and my dad was a coal miner. Faith and family were always prioritized in that order. I was taught the importance of going to work every day, giving your best effort and trying to get along with people. We cannot control many things in our lives, but we can control our effort and our attitude. I firmly believe that you get out of something exactly what you put into it. Throughout my career, I have learned the importance of surrounding myself with good people who also want what is best for students. I have made it a priority to try and provide a quality education for all students, hold them accountable for their actions and prepare them to be productive citizens in our ever-changing society. My greatest accomplishment is that I have had the privilege of serving over 3,000 students, in one capacity or another, over the past 30 years at C-WC #5.”

Each Superintendent of Distinction was nominated by peers in their regions based on their commitment,
dedication and leadership.

“These extraordinary individuals are exceptional leaders and difference makers in their communities,” said IASA
Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark. “Throughout their careers, each honoree has demonstrated an unwavering
commitment to elevating the success of students in their districts.”

The seventh annual luncheon was again sponsored by Horace Mann, one of the nation’s largest insurers focusing
on the needs of educators.

“Superintendents have had to be more flexible, nimble, creative and understanding this year than ever before,”
said Marita Zuraitis, Horace Mann President and CEO. “Horace Mann recognizes all superintendents for what they
have done in the face of the constantly changing learning environment and concern around the health and safety
of their staff and students. We’re proud to honor those Superintendents of Distinction who are being recognized
for providing strong learning models and supporting their community this year.”

The Egyptian Region is comprised of Washington, Jefferson, Wayne, Perry, Franklin, Hamilton and White counties.