Longtime Kane County Educator Named Principal at Juvenile Justice Center
The Kane County Regional Office of Education (ROE) has appointed Dr. Marisa Christoffel as the new principal of the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center (JJC), succeeding Ivars Spalis, who retired after two decades at the JJC, including eight years as principal.
As Principal and Education Program Coordinator, Dr. Christoffel will oversee the education program in collaboration with Regional Superintendent John K. Jonak. “Marisa brings extensive classroom and administrative experience,” Jonak said. “She is well-positioned to continue the important work initiated by Mr. Spalis, ensuring students in detention receive a quality education and successful reintegration into their schools.”
The ROE runs the JJC education program under an agreement with St. Charles School District 303 and the Chief Judge. Certified teachers provide year-round instruction in language arts, math, science, and social studies. The principal administers the program and coordinates with students’ public schools.
“I am excited to advocate for education in this role,” Dr. Christoffel said. “I look forward to collaborating with staff, celebrating student diversity, and fostering equity at the center.”
Dr. Christoffel began her career at Chesterbrook Academy in Bartlett in 2001 and spent two decades teaching at Rotolo Middle School in Batavia. Most recently, she served as Principal at Pope St. John Paul II Catholic Academy in Aurora (2022–2024) and as Assistant Principal at Smith Elementary in West Aurora School District 129.
