Portell & Wilson Hired New Superintendents

February 01, 2021
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Recently, two Potosi R-3 Alumni who went on to become educators, have stepped in to Superintendent roles at their respective school districts.

The gentlemen are Adam Portell and Nathaniel Wilson. Both men worked in the Potosi R-3 District and have gone on and moved up in their careers.

Mr. Adam Portell, former Assistant Superintendent of the Potosi R-3 School District, is now at the Iron County C-4 School District as the High School Principal for the 2020-21 school year. Superintendent Ken Sherrow recently announced his retirement and recommended Adam Portell for the job. Portell is looking forward to serving the District as Superintendent at the conclusion of this school year.

Superintendent Sherrow had said Mr. Portell was well thought of and well liked in the Viburnum community and area.

Portell said, “I was taken by surprise. I had no idea that the Board was going to offer the position to me. It’s an honor and much appreciated.”

Viburnum had planned to transition to a 4 day school week and Sherrow said he was happy to have Mr. Portell’s knowledge and help with the change. The pandemic has upset the school year for every student and the administrators have had their challenges to handle the unprecedented situation for the students, faculty and staff.

Portell was previously a teacher, coach, and administrator with Iron County C-4 School District and led the Viburnum High School boys’ basketball program to a District Title in 2005-2006.

Adam Portell graduated from Potosi High School in 2001 and was very active in several clubs and organizations. He received several academic and athletic honors and was selected to the KTJJ Boys’ Basketball Dream Team.

Mr. Portell credits his various experiences with teachers, coaches, and administrators to leading him to his pursuit of a career in education.

He obtained his B.S. in Education in 2005 and continued to further his education and completed his Masters of Education Administration, and Specialist in Educational Leadership with a Superintendent’s Certification.

Adam Portell began his educational career in Potosi in 2013 as the John Evans Middle School Assistant Principal. During his career he had the opportunity to serve in various administrative positions.

Portell said, “My goal has always been to provide students with the best possible education opportunities and to provide staff with the best possible work environment”.

During his career in the R-3 District, he served in several roles including: Homeless Coordinator, Compliance Officer, Human Resources, Transportation Director, Custodian of Records, Certification, Summer School Coordinator, along with other supervising administrative duties.

Mr. Portell has lived in Washington County for many years and has a strong history in the agricultural sector. He and his wife, Jill, along with their two sons, live on a farm in Washington County where they raise cattle and participate in 4H and other agricultural activities.

Mr. Nathaniel Wilson has been chosen by the Herrin, Illinois school district to be their new Superintendent, beginning with the 2021-2022 school year.

Wilson was previously a business teacher as well as a football and basketball coach at Potosi, the junior and senior high school principal at Viburnum, the principal at Vienna, Illinois grade school, and the superintendent/principal for the DeSoto, Illinois School District.

Nathaniel Wilson graduated from Potosi High School in 1997 and was very involved in school sports and organizations. He participated in an extraordinary variety of activities, ranging from being a varsity athlete to FBLA and Swing Choir.

Throughout high school he displayed his leadership capabilities in many ways, including being in the first Student Council Leadership Class when it was established in the fall of 1996.

Nathaniel obtained his B.S. in Business Education from Southeast Missouri State University in 2000 and continued furthering his education at SEMO, receiving his Masters in Educational Administration in 2008. He received his Superintendent Endorsement from Southern Illinois University in 2014, and is currently working on his Educational Doctorate degree in administration at SIU.

Mr. Wilson’s educational philosophy reflects much of his ‘farmer roots’ upbringing. He says, “I believe in leading by example and action. At school I have pulled lunch trays, swept the floors, cleaned up vomit, answered the phones, subbed in the classroom - whatever it has taken to help me understand everyone’s job more clearly and to keep the district from missing a beat. I strive to set a good example for those that work with me and for the students who will see me.”

He adds, “I listen to those who have knowledge to share. I ask questions of anyone who can help me better understand an idea. I communicate with everyone and value their input. I want each person to know they have an important role to play in keeping the district moving forward and that I need them to fulfill their role.”

During his career, Wilson has served as high school head girls basketball coach, middle school football coach (leading his team to an undefeated season), and high school football coach. Going back to his college years he won titles of Mr. Future Business Teacher of Missouri and Mr. Future Business Teacher of America. Later he was chosen as the South-Central Emerging Principal of the Year.

Mr. Wilson has a farm in the Caledonia area as well as raising cattle near Herrin. He and his wife, Mallori, have two lively young daughters.

Congratulations to both gentlemen as they step into their new positions.