Alton Athletic Director Chris Kusnerick Announces Retirement
After 38 years of dedicated service, Kusnerick will retire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year, concluding a distinguished career in education and athletics.
ALTON — Chris Kusnerick, athletic director at Alton High School, announced he will retire at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year, ending a 38-year career in education marked by leadership and service to students.
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Kusnerick’s tenure at Alton has been defined by his role as a teacher, coach, and athletic director, during which he has advocated for integrity, opportunity, and excellence in student programs.
Under his guidance, the Alton School District has undergone significant improvements to its athletic facilities over the past seven years, creating spaces described as among the finest in the Metro East region.
"I have decided to retire at the end of the school year, which will be on June 30, 2026. It was approved last night by the ACUSD #11 Board of Education." He has been with the Alton School District for seven years.
“When I began teaching in 1988, there were no computers in classrooms, and teachers relied on ditto machines and projectors,” Kusnerick reflected. He noted that his retirement marks both a professional and personal transition, as his wife, Lynne, is also retiring this school year. The couple plans to spend more time with their two grandsons in Tennessee.
Kusnerick Career Totals
He also acknowledged administrators, coaches, support staff, and the Alton Athletic Association for their ongoing commitment to Redbird athletics.
The Alton School District recognized Kusnerick’s service and leadership, stating his contributions will continue to benefit the students, programs, and facilities he helped develop.
"It is time for a change. Finishing up 38 years in education this year, and have seen a lot of changes over the years," Kusnerick said. "My wife, Lynne, is also retiring this school year from the Edwardsville school district.
"I am proud to be a part of the tremendous changes in the athletic facilities at Alton High School over the past seven years, and so happy for our kids and the Alton community that now have athletic facilities comparable to anyone in the Metro East area.
"I am extremely thankful for Mark Cappel and the Board of Education for giving me this terrific opportunity seven years ago. I’m eternally grateful and also appreciate the support that I had the past six years of Dr. Kristie Baumgartner and Elaine Kane. They were all instrumental in a lot of the successes that we’ve had recently in Redbird Nation.
"Also, a big, big kudos to the Alton Athletic Association (AAA). They have been extremely supportive of Redbirds athletics, and the leaders we have had the past five years have taken the organization to another level. They have been rock stars.
"And finally, I have been blessed to work with two principals during my tenure at Alton High, Mike Bellm and Stacie Franke, who are top-notch leaders.
"Also, I would be remiss if I did not thank all of our coaches and support staff who contribute greatly to the success we have in the athletic department every day. I will miss the day-to-day working with these individuals who are such an important part of our school district."
Kusnerick concluded: "I have been extremely lucky to have such a supportive and loving wife (Lynne) over the years, who held the fort down at home all through the years I coached and was an Athletic Director. There is no way I could have done these jobs without her."
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