Lisle picks new school superintendent

Patricia Wernet was in seventh grade when she began working as a student helper in a special education classroom.

It was there that she discovered something important: She wanted to dedicate her professional life to making things better for children.

She's never lost sight of that goal through a wide-ranging career in education, she said, and it will continue to be her mantra when she assumes her new duties next summer as superintendent of Lisle Unit District 202.

Wernet, who has spent the past four years as superintendent in South Berwyn Elementary District 100, was appointed to her new post Monday to replace J. Peter Lueck, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

The school board approved a three-year contract that will pay Wernet $170,000 in her first year at the helm.

A resident of Palos Heights, she officially will assume her duties on July 1 but plans to begin spending time in Lisle almost immediately.

Her philosophy, she said Tuesday, is "to always make decisions based on what's best for the children."

She said she was attracted to Lisle by the opportunity to work in a small unit district with a reputation for putting an emphasis on meeting students' needs.

"It is a district that is strong in academics, has incredible support from community and family members and is always focused on what is best for children," she said in a written statement.

Wernet served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, assistant principal, principal, acting coordinator of special education, gifted coordinator and safe schools coordinator in Palos Elementary District 118 and Evergreen Park Elementary District 124 before being named superintendent in the South Berwyn district.

She has a bachelor's and a master's degree in elementary education from Governors State University in University Park and received her doctorate degree in administrative leadership from Aurora University.

The Lisle school board found Wernet by working with School Exec Connect on a search that produced 49 applicants. Board members interviewed seven of the candidates before narrowing the field to the three finalists.

Board members said Wernet's personality and professional background will be ideal for their district.

Vice President Kathy Chatman said she believes Wernet has found "a perfect fit for her philosophy and her approach" in Lisle.

She said she was impressed by the new superintendent's "caring and her compassion for kids' learning."

"Everything about her always came back to the kids and their learning experience," Chatman said.

Board President Pam Ahlmann said Wernet has three key attributes: She's visible, supportive and collaborative.

Leaders pointed to Wernet's success in working with staff, parents and the community on long-range planning and school improvement processes in the South Berwyn district that resulted in seven schools receiving Spotlight School Awards.

Wernet already has presented board members with a plan for her first 180 days as she prepares to take the reins in July.

She said she's eager to meet with residents to hear their concerns and what they're proud of about District 202.

She said she plans to attend as many school board meetings as possible during the transition and also to huddle with students.

"My goal is to make an individual connection with as many kids as possible," she said.

The departing Lueck, 55, has led the district for 11 years. He began his career as a third-grade teacher in Elgin Area School District U-46, the state's second-largest school system. During 23 years there, he served in numerous positions from teacher to principal to an area superintendent within the district.

School board members said he'll be missed.

"Dr. Lueck has done a fantastic job," Ahlmann said. "He's established a lot of relationships and done some monumental things."

School board members had begun their search for Lueck's successor with the goal of having the new person in place before year's end. They've met that timeline and now Wernet said she's eager to get started.

"I want," she said, "to be a part of the district before I begin on July 1."