A superintendent from a southern Illinois school district has been selected to lead River Forest Elementary District 90.
School Board members Tuesday named Janice Pavelonis to succeed Ed Condon as superintendent. Condon, who has led the district for 15 years, retires at the end of this school year.
Pavelonis is currently in her fifth year as superintendent of Carbondale Elementary District 95. She has previously been assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction in the same district and as director of professional learning for Regional Office of Education #30, which serves schools in five southern Illinois counties and is based in Murphysboro.
She also has worked with school district leaders across the state to help improve student outcomes through data-driven plans for the Illinois Center for School Improvement, in conjunction with the Illinois State Board of Education, according to a news release.
Earlier in her career, Pavelonis was a principal, lower debt coach and response to intervention coordinator. She also has taught a number of elementary grades including kindergarten, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 8th.
“Ms. Pavelonis brings a breadth of relevant experience, a collaborative leadership style, and a deep commitment to students demonstrated throughout her more than two decades of service in education,” District 90 School Board President Katie Avalos said in a statement. “The board looks forward to the contributions her vision and expertise will bring to our school community.”
Pavelonis, who attended Tuesday’s school board meeting, said she looks forward to working with the district and will be visiting in future months as part of transition plans. Her first official day is July 1.
“I am honored to serve the River Forest community and look forward to working alongside students, staff, families and the community to build upon the strong foundation of student success and continued growth in District 90,” Pavelonis said in a written statement.
Pavelois will receive $260,000 as a base salary. Condon’s base salary for this year is $276,449.
Pavelonis received her masters degree in education administration from Murray State University and her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southern Illinois University. She is pursuing a doctorate of education in education leadership at Southern Illinois University.
Alicia Fabbre is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
