Brook Forest principal resigns weeks before first day of school

Brook Forest Elementary School Principal Kelly Voliva is on her way out, just weeks before the start of the upcoming school year.

Kelly Voliva submitted her letter of resignation to Butler District 53's board of trustees Friday. The first day of class is Aug. 22.

Superintendent Heidi Wennstrom said the district has begun plans to identify a new principal for the Oak Brook school. She did not give a reason for Voliva's resignation.

"In the meantime, I have been working closely with Assistant Principal Lisa Owen to ensure our teachers have the support they need to prepare for the new school year," Wennstrom said in a prepared statement. "While I recognize that the timing is difficult, I am confident that our excellent faculty and staff will work together to ensure that we continue to provide our students with the rich and fulfilling learning experience they have come to expect."

Wennstrom did not immediately return calls seeking comment, but a post on the district's website says the district is seeking "someone with a proven track record of success" who can also interview within the next two weeks.

The school made headlines earlier this summer when two families filed lawsuits against Butler District 53 for the district's treatment of two Brook Forest students accused of cheating in local spelling and geography bee competitions.