Using Innovative Practices to Repurpose Empty School Buildings

2018 Lighthouse Award recipient Dr. Matthew Wilkinson was instrumental in repurposing empty school buildings at Streator Elem. SD 44, allowing them to remain in use for educational purposes. In 2013, SD 44 was facing a financial crisis. Because of reduced state funding, the school district was forced to close two of its schools within four years of each other. Rather than let these buildings remain vacant, Dr. Wilkinson chose to lease the empty buildings to other community based organizations…and with the Starved Rock County Alliance, sell one of the buildings to a teacher training facility from Hong Kong.

We asked Dr. Wilkinson to give us some thoughts on how he got into the school business profession and what the award means to him.

How did you get into the school business profession?
While working for the Indiana Department of Health, I was recruited by the Superintendent of the Indiana School for the Blind to become their Assistant Superintendent. In that role, not only did I have the opportunity to experience school business management, but was also able to work with blind and visually impaired children as a swim team and track coach. That experience shaped my future career as a school administrator.

How has Illinois ASBO played a role in your success?
From being first certified as a Chief School Business Official to a school Superintendent, Illinois ASBO has been an invaluable resource in my professional growth as a school administrator. Their professional development resources, legislative focus, and their commitment to the members of the Association have proven to be essential to my career.

What does the award mean to you?
The Illinois ASBO Lighthouse Award means a great deal to me after over twenty years as a school business administrator. I feel honored to have received this prestigious award and hope I can continue to grow and develop as a school business manager.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am most proud to have received my Doctorate in Educational Leadership and the ASBO International Meritorious Budget Award.

Why do you think it is important for the Illinois ASBO Foundation to recognize school business officials?
The role of the school business official is one that often goes unnoticed despite the enormous importance school finance and operations play in the role of the school district. The main goal of the business manager is to ensure that the operations are running efficiently and effectively in order to provide the best programs and services for our students. It is important to acknowledge their role and accomplishments so that the community will understand their necessity in the school district.

The Foundation Lighthouse Award celebrates innovative ideas or practices that can be replicated by other school business professionals. The award was presented to Matthew at the Opening General Session of the 2018 Annual Conference.

I Hope I Can Continue to Grow

The role of the school business official often goes unnoticed despite the enormous importance school finance and operations play in a school district. This award means a great deal to me after over twenty years as a school business administrator. I feel honored to have received this prestigious award and hope I can continue to grow.”

–Dr. Matthew Wilkinson
Former Superintendent, Streator Elem. SD 44