Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich issued an update to families following recent weather disruptions, school initiatives, and community partnerships.
Dr. Skertich acknowledged the district’s custodians and maintenance staff for clearing parking lots and sidewalks after significant snowfall and cold temperatures. He stated, “Their efforts ensured our district was ready to welcome students and staff back as soon as road conditions allowed. Please take a moment to thank them and let them know their work is appreciated and does not go unnoticed.”
The update highlighted the Collinsville Police Department’s P.I.N. Sticker Program, which allows households with potentially impaired or non-verbal individuals to register for colored stickers indicating specific needs such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s/dementia, diabetes, impaired vision, service animals, impaired hearing, autism or other categories. The information is shared with local police, fire, and EMS to help first responders assist those individuals effectively.
School resource officers are encouraging more families to sign up for this voluntary program by using a QR code provided in district communications.
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library partnership was also discussed. Launched on January 16 in collaboration with Madison County leaders and sponsored by the county board along with local libraries and donations, the program provides free monthly books to children from birth until age five in Madison County. Over 2,500 children have already been registered since the announcement. Once enrolled, each child receives their first book within six to eight weeks.
Dr. Skertich encouraged participation in the Illinois State Board of Education’s thirteenth statewide 5Essentials Survey between February 3 and March 10. The survey aims to gather input from students, teachers, and parents on effective leadership, collaborative teaching practices, family involvement, supportive environments, and ambitious instruction at their schools.
He emphasized the importance of attendance: “Regular attendance and punctuality are vital for students to build relationships that support their academic and social development.” He added that these habits prepare children for future expectations related to work and adult responsibilities.
Finally, Dr. Skertich referenced progress made since adopting the district Strategic Plan in spring 2025: “The phrase – Envision. Empower. Achieve. – is about helping students see their potential and giving them the tools and confidence to reach their goals.”
Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 covers both Madison and St. Clair counties; it includes several elementary schools as well as Collinsville High School and Middle School (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). According to state data for the district from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), there are over four hundred teachers—81 percent women—with an average salary of $60,392; none had more than ten absences during a school year (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The student population is diverse: approximately 56 percent White students attend district schools alongside Black (14 percent), Hispanic (24 percent), and Asian (0.5 percent) peers (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In fiscal year 2020 spending reached $16,872 per student across all schools in the district (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
“Thank you for your constant dedication to our students and staff,” Dr. Skertich concluded.
