Ken Gilmore, principal at Ridgely elementary, has been named the Horace Mann Administrator of the Year. He retires this year after 35 years as an educator. He receives $500 and a crystal award.
Mr. Gilmore received the surprise news at Ridgely today, followed by a schoolwide celebration including staff and students.
Administrator of the Year finalists were Karon Durrett (Student Support Services) and Cody Trigg (Southeast High School). Each will receive $250.
Horace Mann has sponsored the Educator of the Year program since its inception in 1988. An independent panel of Springfield-area community and education leaders selects the Educator of the Year, Administrator of the Year, and the Rising Stars.
For more information about District 186, visit www.sps186.org.