Kane County Regional Office of Education 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.”