MT. VERNON – The Egyptian Division of the Illinois Association of School Administrators is pleased to announce the selection of Spring Garden Consolidated School District No. 178 Superintendent Tammy Beckham as the region’s Superintendent of the Year for the 2025-2026 school year.
Dr. Beckham, who has served as Spring Garden’s superintendent for just over six years, will represent school superintendents from seven Southern Illinois counties in the statewide Illinois Association of School Administrators’ 2026 Superintendent of the Year and Superintendent of Distinction award programs. Beckham received the award at the Division’s regular meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, in Mt. Vernon.
“We are pleased to have such an experienced, exemplary leader representing our group,” selection committee member and Waltonville Superintendent Mike Denault said in a written statement issued Tuesday. “Tammy is a genuine, servant-hearted worker, and she’s smart. She serves her school district and the Division with the perfect combination of compassion and toughness. She’s a trusted, veteran superintendent who has earned the respect of her colleagues. She literally rolls up her sleeves to do tough work, and she understands that public schools—no matter their size—are stronger together.”
“I’m humbled—speechless, really,” Beckham said when asked about the honor. “It’s really not about me, but is a public testament to my students and staff at Spring Garden. They’re the real recipients, and I’m blessed to work alongside them every day. I’m so thankful for them.”
Beckham’s award selection comes at a unique time in public education in Illinois. “Tammy embodies the ideals of faithfulness, service, and pure grit,” Division Membership Chair and Rome Superintendent Sarah Mellott said after the award presentation. “She thrives on seeing her people succeed. She loves her staff members and her students, and they love her, too. We’re all very proud that she will represent the Egyptian Division through this award.”
The Egyptian Division of IASA, the regional branch of the statewide superintendents’ association, serves district superintendents in Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Perry, Washington, Wayne, and White counties.
