Oregon CUSD 220’s Dr. Heidi Deininger Named IPA NW Region High School Principal of the Year
Oregon, IL – Oregon Community Unit School District 220 proudly announces that Dr. Heidi Deininger, principal of Oregon Junior/Senior High School, has been named the Illinois Principals Association (IPA) Northwest Region High School Principal of the Year. This prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Deininger’s outstanding leadership and her unwavering dedication to the students, staff, and
community of OJSHS.
Dr. Deininger’s selection as the NW Region representative reflects her transformative leadership. During her tenure, Oregon Junior/Senior High School has achieved notable academic growth and expanded opportunities for students, including a significant increase in Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Credit offerings, equipping students for success beyond high school.
Key highlights of Dr. Deininger’s tenure include:
• AP Expansion: The number of AP courses has more than doubled under her leadership. New additions include AP Studio Art (2023-24), AP Pre-Calculus (2023-24), AP Biology (2019-2020), AP Statistics (2020-21), and AP Language and Composition (2024-25).
• College Readiness: OJSHS students benefit from a robust Dual Credit program in partnership with local colleges, allowing them to earn college credits while still in high school.
• Academic Excellence: Oregon Junior/Senior High School consistently ranks among the top-performing schools in Ogle County across multiple grade levels.
As the IPA NW Region High School Principal of the Year, she will represent the region at the statewide level, competing for Illinois High School Principal of the Year. Dr. Deininger will be recognized at next year’s Illinois Principals Association Conference, featured on the IPA website and newsletter, and celebrated at an upcoming Oregon CUSD 220 Board of Education meeting, where she will receive a framed certificate from the IPA Board.
Superintendent PJ Caposey expressed his admiration, stating, “Dr. Deininger’s leadership has not only elevated our school’s academic standards but has also fostered an environment where students and staff thrive. This recognition is well-deserved, and we are thrilled to see her contributions honored at this level.”
Please join Oregon CUSD 220 in congratulating Dr. Deininger on this outstanding achievement and in celebrating her dedication to excellence in education.
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About OCUSD 220:
The Oregon Community Unit School District, board and staff are committed to providing the highest learning standards in a safe and welcoming educational environment. OCUSD 220 is located in Ogle County with schools in Oregon and Mt. Morris and has more than 1,500 students enrolled. It is committed to its mission statement to: “Educate students to be life-long learners who are productive, responsible citizens.