Moline-Coal Valley`s Matt DeBaene Awarded Arnold W. “Arnie

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2015
Contact:
Dr. David Moyer, Superintendent
(309) 743-8101
Candace Sountris, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
(309) 743-8102
Moline-Coal Valley’s Matt DeBaene Awarded Arnold W. “Arnie” Salisbury
Educational Leadership Award
Matt DeBaene was awarded the Western Illinois University’s Arnold W. “Arnie”
Salisbury Educational Leadership Award at a presentation on April 23, 2015 at Johnnie’s
Steakhouse in Moline. This award is given annually to a student who has earned the EdS in
Educational Leadership and has displayed exemplary leadership skills in his or her professional
career.
DeBaene, who joined the district in July of 2014, serves as the Assistant Superintendent
for Assessment and Accountability. He previously served as principal at Geneseo Middle School
from 2008 until 2014, and assistant principal at Geneseo High School from 2006-2008. He
began his career in education as a 7th grade language arts teacher in an inclusive classroom in the
Davenport schools, where he taught for six years. He served as the Director of Athletics and
Activities at Wood Intermediate School for four of those years.
DeBaene, a Moline High School graduate, obtained a Master’s degree in Educational
Administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education from Western Illinois
University. He has completed formal professional coaching training from Cardinal Stritch
University. DeBaene is currently pursuing his doctorate degree.
The Salisbury award was established in honor of Dr. Arnold W. Salisbury upon his
retirement from Western Illinois University in 1980. From 1968 to 1980, Dr. Salisbury taught in
the Department of Educational Administration, Supervision and Curriculum and he also served
as chairperson from 1969 to 1980.
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