Kewanee Superintendent Presents at State Conference

Kewanee Community Unit School District 229 Superintendent Rebecca Baney presented at the Illinois Association of School Administrators Annual Conference in Springfield on Friday, October 2.

Baney presented alongside John Heiser, Agricultural Education Program Advisor for Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education (FCAE), during a breakout session titled “Leveraging Assets to Build a Complete Agriculture Program.” 

The presentation shared the story of how Kewanee Schools has intentionally grown its agricultural education program by first identifying district and Board priorities, taking inventory of existing assets, leveraging those strengths to address areas for growth, and then assessing and adjusting the program over time. 

“Our goal was to tell Kewanee’s story and show that building a strong agricultural program does not happen through one initiative or one investment,” Baney said. “It comes from understanding your priorities, recognizing the assets already available to you, and then being intentional about how those assets can be used to strengthen opportunities for students.”

The session highlighted Kewanee’s progression from a strong foundation of Board and administrative support to expanded staffing, facilities, student participation, FFA achievement, community and alumni partnerships, and additional agricultural pathways. The presentation traced several years of growth, including expansion of teaching positions, development of the Kewanee High School Agriculture Science Center, Gold Star Chapter recognition, increased student participation, donor-supported facilities, middle school agriculture programming, College and Career Pathway Endorsement opportunities, and student attainment of State and American FFA Degrees.

Their presentation encouraged school leaders to examine human capital, facilities, equipment, program strengths, enrollment, financial position, and alumni and community support when considering how to expand educational opportunities.

“Kewanee’s agriculture program has grown because our staff, Board of Education, students, alumni, community members, donors, and agricultural partners have continued to invest in students.”

The presentation also addressed the importance of continually evaluating a program and considering its long-term direction. In feedback shared during the presentation, Kewanee stakeholders identified student and leadership development, college and career readiness, and continued program excellence and innovation as priorities for the agriculture program’s future. 

The Illinois Association of School Administrators Annual Conference brings school leaders from across Illinois together in Springfield for professional learning, collaboration, and the sharing of successful practices from school districts throughout the state.

Baney said presenting Kewanee’s story at the statewide conference provided an opportunity to highlight not only the district’s agriculture program, but also the collective effort behind its growth.

“The story of this program belongs to Kewanee,” Baney said. “It is a great example of what can happen when a school district and a community recognize their strengths, work together, and stay focused on creating meaningful opportunities for students.”