During its Dec. 9 business meeting, the District 97 Board of Education formally accepted the resignation of Interim Superintendent Dr. Patricia Wernet, effective Dec. 19, 2025, and approved the appointment of Patrick Robinson, assistant superintendent of elementary schools, to serve as co-interim superintendent beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Robinson will serve alongside Dr. Griff Powell, who will continue in his co-interim role.
Dr. Wernet, who has served as co-interim superintendent since September, will be stepping down in advance of a planned medical procedure. The District 97 Board expressed appreciation for her steady leadership and service during this transition period.
“We are grateful for Dr. Wernet’s thoughtful, compassionate leadership and the care she has shown our students, staff and community," Board President Cheree Moore said. “We fully support her decision to prioritize her health, and we wish her a smooth and speedy recovery.”
To support continuity across the district, the Board approved the appointment of Patrick Robinson as co-interim superintendent beginning Jan. 1. In this role, Robinson will serve full time with a five-day-a-week presence in the district, overseeing day-to-day operations, supporting staff, and ensuring stable leadership as the Board continues its superintendent search. Dr. Powell will continue serving as co-interim superintendent one day per week, with additional availability as needed.
Robinson has served in District 97 for the past seven years, including his current role as assistant superintendent of elementary schools. Prior to that, he spent five years as principal of Whittier Elementary School. He also served as acting superintendent from August to September 2025, providing consistency during the initial phase of the transition.
“Patrick’s experience and strong working relationships across our schools make him well-prepared to support the district in this interim role,” Moore said. “With him and Dr. Powell working together, we are confident the district will continue to move forward with stability and a clear focus on students.”
The Board’s search for the next permanent superintendent is underway, with community engagement and candidate recruitment continuing through December. Additional updates will be provided as the process moves forward.