School Superintendent
Biography-Dr. Joshua W. Stafford
A Fulbright Recognized Servant Leader, Joyfully ensuring that Educational Experiences are Transformative, Visionary, and Empowering, for All Stakeholders.
Dr. Joshua W. Stafford is an educational leader who serves as Superintendent in Vienna, Illinois. His career is marked by a pursuit of excellence and a deep commitment to creating transformative educational experiences for his students and beyond.
Dr. Stafford’s academic qualifications are extensive and reflect his dedication to the field of education. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Murray State University. He furthered his studies at McKendree University, where he obtained a Master's degree, followed by a Specialist degree from Eastern Illinois University and, most notably, at McKendree University, a Doctoral degree.
Under Dr. Stafford's leadership, Vienna has evolved into a nationally recognized model for comprehensive, early college, and career-connected education. The school boasts over 150 college-level dual credit hours, enabling significant numbers of students to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate's degree while in high school. His unwavering focus on "what is best for kids" has led to the development of the “Career Connected, Life Ready” program, ensuring every student is employed, enlisted, enrolled, or pursuing entrepreneurship upon graduation. The school also offers numerous career pathways, many of which are recognized by the state board of education’s College and Career Pathway Endorsement (CCPE) system, in which Vienna was one of the first schools to implement.
While Vienna garners attention for this work, the more significant accomplishment has been addressing the need for remedial or developmental coursework after high school. Vienna's senior classes consistently have over 90% of students graduate college-ready, which alleviates the need for remedial or developmental coursework. These partnerships have created efficiency with tax dollars, drastically reduced student loan debt, and increased college completion rates.
Dr. Stafford also speaks and lectures, sharing his experience on educational and leadership topics at universities and various convenings. He actively participates in numerous state and national initiatives, including the Pathways to Prosperity Institute, Advance Illinois, and the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships, among others.
He is a founder of the Southern Illinois Future Teachers' Coalition, which is successfully ensuring that the region has a high-quality teacher pipeline. Under Dr. Stafford’s leadership, the Illinois State Board of Education has made an over $2 million investment in the program. He is also the lead on the regional Illinois Laborers High School Construction Craft Program, which is a collaborative of K12s, workforce, employers, unions, and colleges that have built a pipeline for students to transition into the trades upon high school graduation. Dr. Stafford was able to facilitate work that led to the U.S. Department of Labor investing $1.5 million in the program, which expanded access to students in other school districts. These are just two examples of numerous instances in which he has been able to facilitate broad collaboration between diverse stakeholder groups and secure significant funding.
Recognizing the paramount importance of student safety, Dr. Stafford has spearheaded comprehensive safety initiatives, including the creation of a regional Children's Cabinet, enhanced school resource officer programs, and the implementation of trauma-informed practices. Demonstrating his commitment, he became a sworn, certified law enforcement officer, built a student support services team, and has enhanced out-of-school engagement programs for students, as noted with his involvement in the national Community Schooling movement.
Dr. Stafford's commitment extends beyond his state and national involvement. He is active in international work, broadening his perspective on global education. Dr. Stafford's contributions to education were recognized with his selection as a Fulbright Leader for Global Schools. This prestigious program, under the U.S. Department of State, enables him to study exemplary education systems in countries internationally. His participation in this program is a testament to his status as a leading figure in education and his dedication to bringing global best practices to his school and community. He has taught, provided professional development, and consulted in numerous countries, including India, Haiti, Iraq, and Eswatini, with planned research in Singapore.
His prudent financial acumen has ensured that his district maintains sound financial practices while expanding educational opportunities for all students. He consults with other superintendents and boards on finance and building capacity beyond normal funding sources to enhance student outcomes sustainably.
Dr. Stafford is no stranger to policy and legislative advocacy. He is frequently called on to provide testimony before the General Assembly, the Governor’s office, advocacy boards, and various governmental agencies. He is also a frequent guest of the regional ABC, CBS, FOX, NPR, and NBC affiliates, accompanied by various other news publications.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Stafford is actively engaged in his community. He participates in numerous initiatives, serves on local boards and committees, and is involved in youth ministry at his local church.
Dr. Stafford's leadership is characterized by a pursuit of innovation, a deep commitment to student success, and a profound dedication to community. His work not only enriches the lives of students but also contributes to the advancement of education on a broader scale.
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Open Letter-Dr. Joshua W. Stafford
It is my pleasure to serve as a school superintendent in Vienna. I have served in the district since 2004, and started as a student in 1990. Being a product of this school system fuels my fire to see its growth and success. I am constantly inspired by the team of people, students, staff, and communities' unwavering commitment to providing the best possible opportunities for the children and young adults in our community.
My door is always open. I see my primary role as removing any hurdles or obstacles that might prevent our talented teachers, dedicated staff, engaged parents, and ambitious students from achieving success. Their success, in turn, strengthens our entire community. I try to measure every decision, action, and direction by one question: “What is best for kids?”
Growing up, I worked for my family's farm businesses and learned a great deal about management and hands-on hard work. While working full-time, I pursued my passion for learning, earning associate degrees from Shawnee Community College, a bachelor's degree in business administration from Murray State University, a master's degree and principal's endorsement from McKendree University, a superintendent's endorsement and educational specialist degree from Eastern Illinois University, and a doctoral degree from McKendree University.
While I count it a blessing to have had the opportunity to attend these great higher education institutions, I am most grateful to have graduated from both Vienna Grade and Vienna High School, where everyone knew my name, family, and me, and places where I also knew them. Both are great schools that care about people and provide a launching pad into the future.
I have enjoyed founding, developing, and leading various work that reaches beyond our district. My involvement includes founding the Southern Illinois Future Teachers Coalition (SIFTC), serving as the lead administrator for the Illinois Laborers' & Contractors Joint Apprenticeship and Training Construction Craft Preparation Program for High School Students, building and modeling the Children’s Cabinet model, fully integrating all of Dongola High School students in the Vienna system, piloting the ISBE’s College and Career Pathway Endorsment (CCPE) prgoram, developing the Career Connected Life Ready initiative that is being duplicated in numerous schools, among various other work.
Participating in various committees, groups, and boards at the state and national levels, focusing on educational policy, advocacy, and economic development, has also been a joy for me. Scaling Educational Pathways in Illinois, the Pathways to Prosperity Institute (an initiative of Jobs for the Future (JFF) and the Harvard Graduate School of Education), Advance Illinois, Equity First Superintendents, the Partnership for Resilience/Resilient Southern Illinois (working with the Education Redesign Lab at Harvard), Stand for Children (as a policy fellow on dual credit access and quality), the Illinois Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (ILACEP), the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), and the Illinois Interactive Report Card at Northern Illinois University user group. I am also a member of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA), the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), the Illinois High School District Organization (IHSDO), the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools, and the Illinois Association of Christian Administrators (IACA).
I enjoy opportunities to guest lecture at Eastern Illinois University, McKendree University, and the University of Illinois on various topics in education, including finance, public relations, and curriculum. I also delight in getting the opportunity to facilitate work in other schools, colleges, regions, and states.
Ensuring student safety is, and always will be, a paramount concern. Recognizing that the landscape of safety is constantly evolving, I have committed to a comprehensive approach that provides wrap-around services to support the well-being of the whole child and their family. Our proactive efforts include regular school safety meetings through the Johnson County Cabinet for Children and Youth, which brings together multiple agencies and stakeholders. We have also expanded school-based counseling services, implemented facilities-related improvements, provided trauma-informed and sensitive training for our staff, and enhanced our School Resource Officer (SRO) program.
My commitment to these initiatives led me to undertake the rigorous process of becoming a trained, fully sworn, and certified law enforcement officer. This involved attending the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Police Academy and completing all other required training. While you will likely not see me in uniform, my aim was not to replace our dedicated SROs but to provide additional understanding and support, while also fostering stronger relationships and communication between law enforcement and schools across the state for the benefit of our students and families. This enhanced understanding has led to more informed policy discussions and improved practices.
Being a native of Southern Illinois also allows me to serve in various community roles as well, which include service on the SI NOW board which covers 17 Illinois counties, One Shawnee Regional Community Development Board which covers Illinois House District 118, Create Bridges, Little Egypt Emmaus and Chrysalis Camps, service on the Eagle House Ministry Board, and being a youth leader at Fellowship Baptist Church, which is the church that I grew up in.
My commitment to our students extends beyond our local community. I have been privileged to participate in mission work in various countries, including India, Haiti, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Belize, Nicaragua, Honduras, and within the United States. This global perspective, further informed by my recognition as a Fulbright Leader for Global Schools, reinforces my passion to ensure that we "strive to inspire students to become positive, lifelong learners" and provide them with experiences that prepare them to thrive in "a global and multicultural society."
In addition to seeing our students locally thrive, I have also been involved with missions internationally, including India, Haiti, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Belize, Nicaragua, Honduras, and in the States, which allows me to see school and life in other parts of the world. These experiences fuel my passion to ensure that we "strive to inspire students to become positive, lifelong learners" and provide students with experiences that allow them to be equipped for "a global and multicultural society."
I have also been blessed to be recognized by the U.S. Department of State, which named me a Fulbright Leader for Global Schools.
Again, my door is always open. Please reach out if I can help in any way.
Go Eagles,
Dr. Joshua W. Stafford
School Superintendent and Vienna Class of 2004
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Breif Biogrpahy-Dr. Joshua W. Stafford
A Fulbright Leader Driving Transformative Education
Dr. Joshua W. Stafford, Superintendent of Vienna, Illinois, is a dedicated educational leader committed to transformative and empowering experiences for all. Holding degrees from Murray State University, McKendree University (Master's and Doctorate), and Eastern Illinois University (Specialist), Dr. Stafford has spearheaded Vienna's evolution into a nationally recognized model for early college and career-connected education.
Under his leadership, Vienna offers over 150 college-level dual credit hours, enabling many students to graduate with an associate's degree alongside their high school diploma. His "Career Connected, Life Ready" program ensures post-graduation success in employment, enlistment, enrollment, or entrepreneurship, supported by numerous state-recognized career pathways. Notably, Vienna's focus on college readiness has resulted in over 90% of seniors graduating without needing remedial coursework, saving taxpayer dollars and reducing student debt.
A sought-after speaker and lecturer, Dr. Stafford actively participates in state and national initiatives like the Pathways to Prosperity Institute and the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships. He founded the Southern Illinois Future Teachers' Coalition, securing over $2 million in state funding to build a strong teacher pipeline. He also leads the regional Illinois Laborers High School Construction Craft Program, securing $1.5 million in federal funding to expand trade opportunities for students.
Prioritizing student safety, Dr. Stafford has implemented comprehensive initiatives, including a regional Children's Cabinet and enhanced SRO programs. His personal commitment led him to become a sworn, certified law enforcement officer. Recognized as a Fulbright Leader for Global Schools by the U.S. Department of State, Dr. Stafford studies exemplary international education systems, bringing global best practices to his community. He has taught and consulted in numerous countries, including India, Haiti, Iraq, and Eswatini.
Dr. Stafford is also recognized for his prudent financial management and his advocacy work, frequently advising on finance and testifying before legislative bodies and governmental agencies. Deeply engaged in his community, he serves on local boards and is involved in youth ministry. Dr. Stafford's innovative leadership and unwavering dedication are enriching the lives of students and advancing education locally and globally.
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