Illinois, USA, 21st August 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Andrew Jordan, award-winning Superintendent of Donovan CUSD #3 and former Illinois Principal of the Year (Cornbelt Region), has been featured in a high-profile spotlight article highlighting how his grassroots leadership approach offers valuable lessons for educators and community leaders across the globe—including in the UK. The feature, titled “What UK School Leaders Can Learn from Andrew Jordan’s Journey in Rural Illinois,” explores his practical, student-focused strategies for improving education under pressure.

Now, Jordan is using the opportunity to speak out—not for praise, but for change.

“Schools don’t succeed in isolation,” said Jordan. “If we want real outcomes, we need communities, educators, and local organisations working together—not waiting for top-down solutions that may never come.”

The Case for Community-Led School Improvement

In the US, over 50% of rural and underfunded schools report difficulty accessing quality tutoring, mental health services, or modern learning environments. In the UK, similar gaps exist—especially in deprived boroughs. A 2024 Ofsted report noted that 1 in 4 secondary schools in England lack access to personalised tutoring or updated library/media facilities.

Jordan’s work offers a path forward.

In 2024, he secured over $210,000 (£165,000) in funding through Illinois’ Stronger Connections Grant to modernise school safety and student support services. He also led a $60,000 (£47,000) transformation of a traditional school library into a collaborative media centre.

“We didn’t just build a fancy space—we gave students somewhere they wanted to be. That’s what engagement looks like,” Jordan said.

In addition, he co-managed a High-Impact Tutoring Grant from 2022 to 2024 that targeted students falling behind after the pandemic. The program, delivered in small groups and one-on-one formats, significantly boosted literacy and numeracy outcomes in underperforming cohorts.

Sport, Business and Philanthropy as Education Tools

Jordan also emphasises that learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. Drawing from his own background as a high school quarterback and entrepreneur, he launched the Stockton 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, which raised over $50,000 (£39,000) for local projects over 15 years.

“Sport isn’t just about exercise. It’s where kids learn discipline, leadership, and how to bounce back from failure. Those are life skills schools can’t afford to ignore.”

He previously ran a successful business—J3 Timing —with his brother. These ventures weren’t side projects; they were testbeds for the real-world skills he now integrates into student programmes.

A Broader Call: Take Initiative Where You Are

While the spotlight article focuses on how UK schools can adopt similar models, Jordan’s call to action is universal.

“You don’t need a grant to start making a difference,” he said. “Start by asking: How can we use what we already have better? What space isn’t serving kids right now? Who in our community has time, skills, or even a room we could use?”

He encourages educators, coaches, librarians, and even local volunteers to think like builders—not just caretakers. Whether it’s forming after-school sports clubs, applying for modest local grants, or simply offering an hour of tutoring, every action helps.

About Andrew Jordan

Andrew Jordan served as Superintendent of Donovan CUSD #3 in Illinois. He was named the Illinois Principals Association (IPA) Principal of the Year in 2022 (Cornbelt Region) and has presented at state academic conferences, served on legislative education committees, and contributed to the Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program (IMSAP), providing over $80,000 (£63,000) in free professional development to schools.

To read the full interview, read here.

Be the Difference Where You Are

• Start a local tutoring group.
  

• Repurpose a school space for creativity.
  

• Use sports or business to engage students.
  

• Partner with a community group, church, or small business.
  

• Advocate for student-first spaces and programmes in your town council or board.
  

“Leadership isn’t a job title,” Jordan adds. “It’s what you do when you see a gap and decide to fill it.”

Contact: info@andrewjordanillinois.com