Kahok families in the Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 received an update from Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich as the holiday season began. The message highlighted ongoing community support and upcoming school events.
Dr. Skertich expressed gratitude for the generosity shown by individuals, clubs, organizations, and local businesses toward students in need. “We are grateful for the support provided to our students in so many meaningful ways,” he stated.
This year, over 520 students will receive shoes, food, clothing, toys, and other items thanks to donations from the community. The Kahok Community Project continues its annual tradition of providing Christmas gifts to district students. “That dedication is one of our district’s greatest strengths and shows how much our families and students matter,” Dr. Skertich said.
KAHOKstrong responded to increased food insecurity by organizing a food drive that collected more than one thousand pounds of food for local pantries and families. Dr. Skertich acknowledged their ongoing efforts: “KAHOKstrong’s many efforts, year after year, make a direct impact on students, staff and community members during challenging times.”
Collinsville Charities for Children was also recognized for providing new shoes and socks to more than 350 K–6 students with help from high school volunteers. Their event included distributing candy canes and arranging visits with Santa.
As winter break begins, Dr. Skertich reminded families about key dates:
– Prairie Farms Holiday Classic: December 27–29
– Students return from winter break: January 5
– Teacher In-Service (no school): January 16
– Martin Luther King Day (no school): January 19
– Presidents’ Day (no school): February 16
– Collinsville Kahok Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: February 19
The superintendent also shared that the Board of Education approved the calendar for the 2025–26 school year on December 15, noting that calendars may change due to unforeseen circumstances or state guidance.
Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 serves Madison and St. Clair counties through several schools including Caseyville Elementary School, Collinsville High School, Collinsville Middle School, Dorris Intermediate School, Jefferson Elementary School, John A. Renfro Elementary School, Kreitner Elementary School, Maryville Elementary School, Summit Elementary School, Twin Echo Elementary School, and Webster Elementary School (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
According to recent data from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the district employs 418 teachers who earn an average salary of $60,392 before pension contributions; women make up 81 percent of teachers while men account for 19 percent; no teacher has more than ten absences in a school year (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The student population is composed of approximately 56 percent White students, 14.1 percent Black students, 24.1 percent Hispanic students, and 0.5 percent Asian students (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In fiscal year 2020, spending per student was $16,872 with total expenditures reaching $104 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
Dr. Skertich concluded his message by wishing everyone a safe holiday season: “On behalf of our entire district, I want to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday season with family and friends.”
A note at the end mentioned that an updated Spanish version of the district’s calendar is now available.
