Nathaniel Wilson prefers to stay out of the spotlight, but his leadership and vision for the district have left a powerful mark. As Superintendent, he’s the steady hand guiding the schools through a period of growth and innovation. His latest point of focus and concern? The footings beneath the foundation of a quality K12 education; early childhood education. I sat down with Mr. Wilson to discuss the district’s partnership with the Herrin Education Foundation and how it is addressing the crucial need for expansion of early childhood education—a move that is already benefiting the community.

When it comes to early childhood education, Nathaniel isn’t just ticking boxes. He’s creating a sustainable solution to what was once a significant gap in the district. "We were labeled a pre-K desert," he says, reflecting on the early days of identifying the need for expanded pre-K options in Herrin. "There just weren’t enough spots for kids, and families were having to look elsewhere for care." That realization sparked a flurry of action, and with the support of the Herrin Education Foundation, the district began exploring options.

The answer came in the form of an old fitness center, a 7,600-square-foot building that, with some imagination and a lot of work, is being transformed into the district’s new pre-K center. "We were out of space at our Northside building, and when this fitness center came up for sale, we jumped on it," Nathaniel recalls. "It was the perfect location, and we knew we could make it work."

But it wasn’t just about adding space. Nathaniel and his team wanted to create a program that met the needs of the entire community. That’s why they introduced a wraparound classroom, offering extended care for children who attend morning pre-K. "Before, parents had to scramble in the middle of the day to pick up their kids," he explains. "Now, we’re giving them the option to keep their children in a safe, educational environment for the entire day."

The benefits are already evident. The new pre-K program has added at least 40 spots, allowing more kids to participate in early childhood education—a critical stage for laying the foundation of learning. "We’re seeing kids come into kindergarten more prepared," Nathaniel says. "They know their alphabet, their numbers, and how to write their name. That early preparation makes a huge difference as they move through school."

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the strong partnership with the Herrin Education Foundation. For years, the foundation focused primarily on scholarships, but Nathaniel saw an opportunity to expand its role. "They wanted something tangible to grab onto," he says. "And this pre-K project was the perfect fit." The foundation played a pivotal role in purchasing the building, and the district is now paying them back, a partnership that benefits both sides.

Nathaniel is quick to credit the many hands involved in bringing this project to life, including Chrissy Confer, the pre-K coordinator, and a dedicated group of educators who are passionate about the program. "It’s a community effort," he says. "The teachers, the parapros, the family educators— everyone has worked together to make this happen."

For Nathaniel, the pre-K expansion is just one piece of a larger vision for the district. "We want to elevate what we’re offering our students at every level," he says. "And it starts with early childhood education." By creating a strong foundation in the early years, the district hopes to see long-term benefits that ripple through the entire K-12 system. "If we can get kids well prepared for kindergarten, that sets them up for success all the way through high school."

But Nathaniel’s leadership doesn’t stop at pre-K. He’s focused on expanding opportunities across the board, from fine arts programs to vocational training. "We’re always looking for ways to strengthen what we offer," he says. "Whether it’s more classroom space, better resources for our teachers, or new programs for our students, we want to keep raising the bar."

Despite the district’s growing list of achievements, Nathaniel remains humble. "I’m just the guy trying to keep all the plates spinning," he jokes. "There’s a lot going on, but it’s all good stuff." His ability to juggle multiple projects at once is a testament to his leadership, but he’s the first to deflect credit. "This is a team effort," he says. "From the foundation to the district staff, everyone plays a role in making Herrin the best it can be."

For the taxpayers and community members of Herrin Unit 4, Nathaniel Wilson’s leadership and the district’s early childhood initiatives are reasons to feel proud. The pre-K expansion is more than just a building—it’s an investment in the future of the community’s children.