The following message was shared with the District 97 community on April 30.
Dear District 97 Staff and Families,
Thank you for allowing us to serve your children and families, especially during this time. We are writing today to share an important update regarding district leadership. Starting Monday, May 3, Superintendent Carol Kelley will be out of office on medical leave. She has been working closely with the board and district administrators this week to develop a plan for her absence.
Earlier this week, the District 97 Board of Education approved the appointment of two interim superintendents, Dr. Griff Powell and Dr. Patricia Wernet. In light of Dr. Kelley’s leave, Dr. Wernet will begin serving as interim superintendent on Tuesday, May 4. She will continue to serve in this role through July 1, when she will be joined by Dr. Powell. Dr. Kelley will continue to work with our interim superintendents to ensure continuity of leadership through the end of the school year.
Please be assured that District 97 will continue to provide the same level of instruction and services for our students and families. Our board and the district administration, with the support of Dr. Wernet, are committed to closing the school year strong, while continuing to plan for a safe return to full-day learning this fall.
Sincerely,
District 97 Board of Education