KANE COUNTY ROE ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO LEADERSHIP TEAM
The Kane County Regional Office of Education is pleased to share the hiring of Mr. John Jonak as Assistant Regional Superintendent, starting July 1, 2025. Mr. Jonak will succeed Dr. Deanna Oliver, who will retire from her position effective the same date.
Mr. Jonak comes to the ROE having most recently served as Superintendent of Rosemont School District 78. He brings 26 years of experience to the ROE and a wealth of passion for education that he plans to share with our communities.
“As we conducted our search for an Assistant Regional Superintendent, John’s energy and passion for giving of himself to Kane County was evident,” said Patricia Dal Santo, Regional Superintendent for Kane County. “His decades of time served in education will be invaluable to our efforts. We are elated to have him join our team and continue his service with our office.”
Dr. Oliver’s retirement marks the end of a 10-year period with the ROE. She has been an integral part of the office since 2015, contributing to numerous initiatives that have positively impacted local education and communities. She has led the ROE’s Alternative Programs since her arrival, including the Regional Safe Schools Program, Community Intervention Program, Truancy Prevention Program, youth outreach, and has guided education efforts with her staff at the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center. She has also been the primary coordinator of annual compliance audits as well as the writing and implementing of grant proposals to the Illinois State Board of Education.
“Dr. Oliver has been a driving force of our efforts to serve during her time here. She has been a consistent presence in our schools and communities, at our celebratory events, and in working with our legislators,” said Dal Santo. “She has been a beacon for our organization and a champion for connecting students and families with the resources they need to have the best possible educational experience. Her retirement is a great loss for the staff here and our school colleagues that have grown to know her so well, but it is well-deserved for the years of dedication to our students.”
She will remain with the ROE in a consultant role following her retirement.
“I am profoundly grateful to have served the residents of Kane County in this capacity for nearly 10 years,” said Dr. Oliver. “It has afforded me the opportunity to work with dedicated staff, educators, school leaders, community agencies, and government officials that are driven to improve the lives of all students with varying backgrounds. As I move towards retirement, I am thankful to have had the experiences and am confident that my efforts will continue with the new leadership.”
Mr. Jonak will bring an extensive list of strengths to the role, including nearly two decades in an administrative capacity. Prior to his time with District 78, he held two roles within Westmont Community Unit School District 201, serving as the Director of Student Services and Early Childhood Programs for the district for one year after his principalship at Westmont Junior High from 2012-2021.
He received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University in 1998, his Master in Administration and Leadership from Benedictine University in 2006, and earned his Superintendent Licensure from Northern Illinois University in 2021. He also carries 20 years of military experience, having served as a Platoon and Battalion Operations Sergeant in the United States Army.
“Our schools are the heart of our communities, and I’m deeply committed to supporting the educators, students, and families who make Kane County such a vibrant place to learn and grow,” he said. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated school districts and specialized programs to ensure every student has the opportunities they need to be successful.”
