The Alton School District announces the retirement of Athletic Director Chris Kusnerick at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year, marking the end of an extraordinary 38 year career in education.

Coach Kusnick's career reflects a lifetime of service and leadership as a teacher, coach and Athletic Director. Throughout his career, he has been a steadfast advocate for students, building programs grounded in integrity, opportunity and excellence. His leadership helped guide Alton athletics through a period of significant transformation. With the Board of Education’s commitment, he guided the improvement of the athletic facilities at Alton High School over the past seven years, creating spaces that stand among the finest in the Metro East region. These projects now provide students and the community with facilities that reflect pride, access and opportunity.

Reflecting on his career, Coach Kusnerick reminisced that when he began teaching in 1988, there were no computers in classrooms and teachers relied on ditto machines and projectors. Over the course of his service, he has enjoyed being part of the evolution of education. He noted that his retirement represents both a professional and personal transition, as his wife, Lynne, is also retiring this school year. Together they look forward to spending more time with their two grandsons in Tennessee. 

With this decision to retire, Coach Kusnerick expressed deep gratitude for the many individuals and teams who made his work possible. This includes Lori Campion, Eric Roberson and Andy Renner, whom he described as “top notch professionals who made the work stronger everyday”. He also acknowledged the administrators, coaches, support staff, and colleagues who shape the daily success of the district’s athletic programs. Special recognition was given to the leaders of the Alton Athletic Association, whose commitment continues to elevate Redbird athletics. 

The Alton School District is grateful to Chris Kusnerick for his service, leadership and commitment to the Redbird community these past seven years. His contributions will continue to live on in Alton through the students, programs and facilities he has helped to strengthen.