ERCF Board Member Matthew Sturgeon Named Superintendent of Distinction
Foundation News June 11, 2025
SPRINGFIELD—Matthew Sturgeon, superintendent of Teutopolis CUSD #50, has been named the 2025
Superintendent of Distinction by his colleagues in the Wabash Valley Region of the Illinois Association of School
Administrators (IASA).
Sturgeon was honored at an awards luncheon May 15 in Springfield. State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders was
the featured speaker, where 21 IASA regional Superintendents of Distinction were recognized.
“This recognition is a testament to the incredible educators, students, and community members who make our
district thrive,” said Sturgeon, who has been an educator for 19 years and superintendent for five. “Our
passionate students inspire us daily, our dedicated teachers and staff shape enriching experiences for all, and the
unwavering support of Wooden Shoe families strengthens our foundation for success. With strong leadership
from our governance board and management team, Teutopolis continues to grow, innovate, and help everyone in
their pursuit of becoming the best versions of themselves.”
“Across the Wabash Valley, hardworking superintendents and district staff navigate challenges, foster
collaboration, and shape a vision of excellence in education for our local communities. Their efforts ensure
students have access to the best possible learning opportunities. This honor reflects the passion and commitment
of all those who dedicate their lives to shaping the future through education, reaffirming the belief that teaching
is not just a profession, but a calling to serve.”
Those nominating Sturgeon noted a number of Teutopolis CUSD #50 successes during his tenure:
• Recognized for academic excellence, earning multiple exemplary summative designations and a National
Blue Ribbon Award;
• Expanded student opportunities, providing greater access to post-secondary pathways, dual credit
programs, and career technical education through community and business partnerships;
• Strengthened student support systems, enhancing counseling, social-emotional learning, college/career
planning, and extracurricular diversity;
• Improved facilities, creating a long-range facility plan for improving safety and modernizing instructional
spaces for students and staff;
• Championed financial stewardship, ensuring fiscal responsibility and pursing new funding sources to
support district initiatives;
• Elevated staff culture, fostering a supportive work environment and enhancing compensation,
contributing to a 94.1% teacher retention rate;
The Wabash Valley Region is comprised of Cumberland, Clark, Effingham, Jasper, Crawford, Clay, Richland,
Lawrence, Edwards and Wabash counties. Superintendents of Distinction were selected by peers in their region
based on their commitment, dedication and leadership.
“Effective school leadership requires both vision and the ability to execute,” said IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent
Clark. “Matthew Sturgeon has demonstrated both qualities consistently throughout his career in Teutopolis. His focus on building community partnerships while enhancing educational opportunities has created lasting positive
change for students.”
The 11th annual luncheon was sponsored by Stifel, the country’s leading underwriter of K-12 school bonds.
“The superintendents honored today exemplify the depth of leadership and personal commitment that
exceptional superintendents bring to their districts to serve students and staff to be the best they can be,” said
Anne Noble, Managing Director of Stifel. “Stifel’s longtime commitment to IASA culminates in honoring these
amazing superintendents and thanking them for all they do for the students of Illinois.”
