2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year
Loyola Alum Named 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year
Loyola University Chicago alumnus Nick Polyak (EdD ’07) has been named the 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year.
Dr. Polyak, superintendent of Leyden High School District 212, was honored by the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA). Nominees for the award are evaluated by an independent panel based on criteria such as academic achievement, preparing students for the future, social-emotional support, teaching and instruction, and leadership.
Earlier this year, Dr. Polyak served as a co-moderator for the School of Education’s Wozniak Lecture Series, alongside Dr. Steven Isoye, chair of the Illinois State Board of Education, and fellow Loyola alum Michael Lubelfeld (EdD ’05). Dr. Polyak and Dr. Lubelfeld have also co-authored five books together, including Leading for Tomorrow’s Schools Today, released in October.
"It’s an honor for my family and our school district to be named the 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year," Polyak said. "I believe this recognition also reflects the educational foundation I received as a graduate of Loyola’s Superintendent EdD program, which has been an important part of my journey."
"I hope this honor helps shine a light on the incredible work the faculty in the School of Education do every day, often impacting educators in ways that only become visible decades later."
Dr. Polyak earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and Supervision from Loyola University Chicago, where he received the Phi Delta Kappa Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award. He also holds a Master of Arts and a Chief School Business Officer (CSBO) license from Governors State University. He completed his undergraduate studies at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Secondary Education.
More information can be found in this Journal & Topics article or the IASA announcement video below.
IASA Illinois Superintendent of the Year 2026 Announcement Video
Loyola University Chicago alumnus Nick Polyak (EdD ’07) has been named the 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year.
Dr. Polyak, superintendent of Leyden High School District 212, was honored by the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA). Nominees for the award are evaluated by an independent panel based on criteria such as academic achievement, preparing students for the future, social-emotional support, teaching and instruction, and leadership.
Earlier this year, Dr. Polyak served as a co-moderator for the School of Education’s Wozniak Lecture Series, alongside Dr. Steven Isoye, chair of the Illinois State Board of Education, and fellow Loyola alum Michael Lubelfeld (EdD ’05). Dr. Polyak and Dr. Lubelfeld have also co-authored five books together, including Leading for Tomorrow’s Schools Today, released in October.
"It’s an honor for my family and our school district to be named the 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year," Polyak said. "I believe this recognition also reflects the educational foundation I received as a graduate of Loyola’s Superintendent EdD program, which has been an important part of my journey."
"I hope this honor helps shine a light on the incredible work the faculty in the School of Education do every day, often impacting educators in ways that only become visible decades later."
Dr. Polyak earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and Supervision from Loyola University Chicago, where he received the Phi Delta Kappa Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award. He also holds a Master of Arts and a Chief School Business Officer (CSBO) license from Governors State University. He completed his undergraduate studies at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Secondary Education.
More information can be found in this Journal & Topics article or the IASA announcement video below.