As the state’s schools superintendent, Christopher Koch oversees the public education system that spans 2.1 million students and 868 school districts.
Age: 48
Hometown: Mt. Sterling
Current residence: Bloomington
Education: Bachelor of arts from Southern Illinois University, May 1984; master of arts, George Washington University, May 1988; doctorate of education, George Washington University, May 2000
Hobbies: Camping in Illinois’ state parks, pinochle, baking pies, sailing
Snapshots in his Springfield office: Koch standing with his parents when he received his doctoral degree from George Washington University; his dog, Dixon; his First Communion class picture from Mt. Sterling; and a picture of Koch standing with a former student who took his own life in 2000.
Source: Tribune interviews
