Winfield schools hires Round Lake administrator as new chief

An educator with more than 25 years of experience is poised to become the next superintendent of Winfield Elementary District 34.

Gwynne Kell, assistant superintendent of pupil support services in Round Lake Unit District 116, on July 1 will officially replace Superintendent Diane Cody, who is leaving to become superintendent of an Evergreen Park district.

Kell, who is planning to meet with parents during a May 14 reception, said she's excited about the opportunity to take the reins of District 34.

"It's a really nice community of people. And I hear great things about the kids," said Kell, a Mount Prospect resident. "It's one of those places that you look for."

Kell said one of her initial goals is to preserve District 34's tradition of high student achievement.

"The goal would be to continue some of the fantastic initiatives that have already been implemented," she said. "And then together - with the staff and with the community - develop next steps."

School board members hired Kell after conducting a national search that started in January. They say Kell is an excellent match for the two-school district.

School board President Craig Martin said Kell has "a wealth of experience and a leadership style well suited to our community."

Before joining District 116 two years ago, Kell was the director of special services in East Maine Elementary District 63, officials said. She also has experience as a principal and classroom teacher.

"I was born to teach," Kell said. "So I think of myself always as a teacher first. I love the art of teaching."

Kell earned a bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University and a master's degree from Chicago State. She also has a doctoral degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

In the meantime, Cody says her own departure from District 34 after six years is bittersweet.

"There are a lot of good, fond memories of my time in Winfield. So it is hard to leave here," said Cody, who will become the superintendent of Evergreen Park Elementary District 124. "And yet, I am very excited about the new position."

Over the next few weeks, Cody will be communicating regularly with Kell to bring her up to speed on what's happening in District 34.

"Now that we have a person and things I can share," Cody said, "I can keep e-mailing her information that will put her in good stead when she gets here."

Cody stressed that she has no plans to give Kell any advice on how to run the district.

"I don't want her to think that this is Diane's district," Cody said. "I want it to be her district. And I think it's important that she makes it hers."