Salt Creek District 48 Staff Surprised with Two Awards

It was a coincidence that both award winners were from Salt Creek School District 48—Superintendent John Correll and Swartz School Administrative Assistant Chris Marciniak. Each was given the 2011 top awards from the West Suburban Association of Education Office Professionals for their work in education.

Correll, superintendent at District 48 since 2006, was named Administrator of the Year. Marciniak, who has held a multitude of positions in District 48, was named Educational Office Professional of the Year.

WSAEOP annually honors administrators and office professionals who have contributed positively to education. Director of Business Operations Frank Evans said Correll’s “genuine concern for children is apparent.” Nominators also said Correll has been instrumental in bringing the community, faculty and administrators together, developing open lines of communication and providing exemplary leadership for teacher negotiations, technology initiatives, curriculum development and professional growth for all staff.

“He makes each person he comes in contact with feel important and an equal partner in the process of educating and teaching tomorrow’s leaders," said his nominators.

Correll has held a number of leadership positions within state and national educational organizations, including president of the National Association of Pupil Services Administrators and the Illinois School Psychology Association. Currently, he serves as DuPage County representative to the Illinois Association of School Administrators Board of Directors. He has been the recipient of other awards, including the Illinois Association of Student Assistance Professionals Administrative Award and the NAPSA Distinguished Service Award.

Marciniak has served in a number of positions in Salt Creek District 48, including bus driver, lunchroom supervisor, teacher aide and, most recently, administrative assistant at Swartz.

“She is the heart and soul of our building,” said Swartz Principal Angie Ross.

“When you are around Chris, you feel like you can accomplish anything. She has a never give up attitude and will take the initiative to get it done!” District 48 Administrative Assistant Tammy Clarke said.

Nominators said Marciniak often leaves an impression on students and families alike.

“She’s often mentioned in graduation speeches. When students return after graduating, they ask about Mrs. Marciniak,” said Albright Middle School Principal Scott Jackson. “She touches people’s lives on a daily basis and leaves an impression on people that lasts a lifetime."

Salt Creek School District 48 takes in students from Elmhurst, Villa Park, Oak Brook and Oakbrook Terrace.