SPRINGFIELD — Fisher Superintendent Barb Thompson has been named the 2025 Superintendent of Distinction by her colleagues in the Illini Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators.

Thompson was honored at an awards luncheon Thursday in Springfield.

State Superintendent Tony Sanders was the featured speaker at the luncheon, where 21 regional superintendents of distinction were recognized.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Superintendent of Distinction Award,” said Thompson, who has been an educator for 30 years and superintendent of the Fisher district for 20 years. “It is a testament to the incredible teamwork and dedication of our entire educational community I have been blessed to work with in this incredible district, and I am humbled to be selected by my esteemed colleagues for this award from the Illini Division.”

The Illini Region is composed of Champaign, Coles, Douglas, Edgar and Vermilion counties.

Superintendents of distinction were selected by peers in their region based on their commitment, dedication and leadership.

“Effective school leadership requires both vision and the ability to execute,” said IASA Executive Director Brent Clark. “Barb Thompson has demonstrated both qualities consistently throughout her career in Fisher.

“Her focus on building community partnerships while enhancing educational opportunities has created lasting positive change for students.”

The 11th annual luncheon was sponsored by Stifel, the country’s leading underwriter of K-12 school bonds.

Dave Hinton is editor of The News-Gazette's 'Our Communities' section. He can be reached at .