Clinton Schools Superintendent Curt Nettles is the Illinois Association of Administrators Abe Lincoln Regional Superintendent of Distinction for 2023. 

His fellow superintendents in the Abe Lincoln Region — comprised of Menard, Logan, DeWitt, Sangamon, Macon, Piatt, Christian, Shelby, and Moultrie counties —noted Nettles’ professionalism, advocacy efforts, and desire to serve as a mentor to younger administrators as reasons for selecting him for the award.

Superintendents say Nettles was instrumental in support to them during COVID as he worked with the Illinois State Board of Education and the legislature as well as the IASA. They applaud him for not being afraid to step out and go to bad for local schools and call him a coach, mentor, colleague, and friend.

It is a peer-voted award. 

IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark said in a statement - “Each of these superintendents are great examples of how dynamic leadership can improve the educational environment for students, strengthen communities and continuously push districts forward. Their commitment and dedication to helping students succeed is unwavering, and I applaud each of these honorees for everything they have done to elevate public education in Illinois.” 

Nettles was honored at an awards luncheon on May 3 in Springfield.