As an administrator at Oak Lawn High School for several decades Joseph McCurdy has tried to put students first.
On the eve of his retirement from the district, he’s being remembered by students and staff for the ways he’s helped them and moved the school forward.
McCurdy recently received the Illinois Directors of Student Activities Career Achievement Award.
Senior Rory Ali, who has been president of the Students Against Destructive Decisions club for the past two years, said McCurdy, the club sponsor, is always there for them.
“Mr. McCurdy is like the assistant superintendent, which is a pretty big role, but through the SADD club, we get to see him more,” said Ali. “He’s always next to us when we’re doing every single thing. … He’s out on the ground doing things with us. That’s so beautiful and cool.”
When the club recently painted sidewalks outside the school with messages to not drink and drive, McCurdy was there too.
Ali said McCurdy has a way of assisting them, too, without being intrusive.
“Whenever we meet for the clubs or officer meetings, as much as we’re talking about the club and what we have to do, he also kind of just guides us,” said Ali. “He just has this natural guidance.”
He also encourages them to be strong leaders, not just in the club but throughout their lives, Ali said. “I see Mr. McCurdy is going on with his daily life and he’s always just being a leader.”
More Top Picks Gigabyte Gaming A16 Review
That leadership has taken McCurdy from teaching computer, business and work-study courses in the 1990s at Reavis High School in Burbank, to becoming associate principal at Sandwich High School to his current roles in District 229.
At Oak Lawn High School, he started out as the director of Career and Technology Education, where he worked to change the school’s traditional education to a more student-centered career program.
As assistant principal for operations, he helped make the school more transparent and connected to the community through email, communication apps and social media. He encouraged the school to start participating in IHSA drama, journalism and Esports competitions.
He also helped develop inclusive student organizations to draw more participation, including the Alliance Club, Black Student Union, National Art Honor Society, Anime Sci Fi Club, Arabic Honor Society, Bass Fishing Club, Muslim Student Association, organization of Latin American Students, Spanish Honor Society and STEM club.
McCurdy also began working with students more directly with their leadership conference and planning school events, as well as doing public relations through the website and a weekly newsletter.
“I always liked the contact,” said McCurdy. “That’s the element I liked the most is working with students, hearing their views on things, providing the opportunity to have input on school decisions and to help them leave a legacy,” he said.
But he also showed a more personal, animated side, appearing in a bright green suit to embody the school’s Spartan mascot at student assemblies.
“I participated myself and encouraged staff to make it easier for students to participate,” he said.
As assistant superintendent/chief school business official, McCurdy has overseen construction of the school’s Performing Arts Center, the remodeling of the Student Services area and currently the remodeling of the Field House.
He’s also handled finances, helping to establish a strong fund balance with annual surpluses, supervising building and grounds, the technology director and food service director. He’s also helped ensure each student had access to an iPads.
McCurdy has been on numerous school committees, spoke at educational conferences and been an adjunct professor at Moraine Valley Community College and the University of St. Francis.
He’s part of a family of educators, too. His wife, Heather, is a teacher at Reavis, where his daughter Megan also teaches. His youngest daughter, Kate is a student teacher at Prairie View Middle School in Tinley Park.
Assistant Principal Marcus Wargin said he nominated McCurdy for the achievement award because of how much he did for students and their activities.
“He was always present and always promoting clubs’ successes and achievements through social media and the press,” he said.
He also said he leaves a “lasting impact” on students and staff.
“He understands that a student’s high school experience is only four years and he will do what he can to make those years memorable,” said Wargin. “He is willing to make sure that if it is for students, we need to find a way to get it done.”
McCurdy said though his retirement is bittersweet, he feels good about leaving on a positive note. He hopes to spend more time traveling with his family and possibly taking on interim administrator roles, should they arise.
“I really like my job and loved coming here every day,” he said. “I am going to miss the people and the school.”
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.