When Dr. Lisa Thomas walks the halls of Meridian CUSD 101, she isn’t just a superintendent—she’s home. Raised in nearby Cairo, Dr. Thomas is a product of the same southern Illinois soil that now grounds her leadership. It’s a region that knows resilience, where every child’s success feels like a community victory. And under her guidance, Meridian is a model of what happens when education is rooted in love and connection.

Dr. Thomas’s journey has come full circle. She began as a substitute teacher, later teaching second, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grade, and coaching basketball and track. “I’ve been blessed,” she says. “Meridian has always been a family to me, and I wanted to give back.”

That sense of family defines Meridian. “We take care of each other, support one another through difficult times, and celebrate victories together,” Dr. Thomas says. “When someone struggles, we come together.” This intimate, caring culture is what makes Meridian special.

It’s also why Dr. Thomas returned to lead the district. “My early mentors invested in me, not just as a teacher, but as a person,” she explains. “I felt a responsibility to pay that forward.”

While Meridian is well-known for athletics, Dr. Thomas is quick to note, “We’re more than just basketball.” Students are thriving in many areas, supported by engaged families, passionate educators, and community partners who show up for them.

“When I became superintendent, agencies were reaching out asking, ‘How can we help?’” she recalls. “We have support from businesses, organizations, and Shawnee College—all working together to help our students thrive.”

That spirit of partnership is fueling new opportunities. Meridian is launching a five-county Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, complete with a state-of-the-art classroom. Students are also taking dual-credit classes and earning early college credits through Fast Start. Alumni are returning to mentor younger students, deepening the bonds across generations.

One recent graduate transferred to SIUE’s nursing program. When an alumna in St. Louis heard, she reached out to offer mentorship. “That’s what makes Meridian special,” Dr. Thomas says. “People reaching back to lift others..”

The district’s theme this year—“Building Stronger Connections”—reflects Dr. Thomas’s approach. “We’re focused on student performance, improving curriculum, and preparing kids for life after graduation,” she says. “But it all starts with relationships.”

That includes forging stronger external ties as well. “No one does this alone,” she says. “When the community and schools work together, amazing things happen.”

To those who still see Meridian as just a sports school, Dr. Thomas offers an invitation: “Come see what’s happening. We have students eager to learn, staff committed to excellence, and a community that always shows up.”

Dr. Thomas and I spoke in late July, as the new school year was taking shape, and a quiet pride filled the air. Professional development was underway, open houses were being planned, and the whole community was leaning in. It’s not about flash—it’s about heart.

Looking ahead, Dr. Thomas sees a future guided by strong values and deeper bonds. “We want our students to grow into happy, productive citizens who know they’re supported and believed in. And we’re going to do everything we can to help them get there.”

Meridian CUSD 101 isn’t just a school district. It’s a family—one that believes in its children and in each other. And Dr. Thomas and the Meridian team are here for all of it.