District 121 chooses Rockford-area educator as new superintendent

The Warren Township High School District 121 board has made its choice to succeed outgoing Superintendent John Ahlgrim as the district's top administrator.

Daniel "Danny" Woestman, currently superintendent of Belvidere School District 100 east of Rockford, will step into the role on July 1, officials in the Gurnee-based District 121 announced Wednesday.

Woestman, who has been the top administrator in the Belvidere district since 2016, said he decided to pursue the opportunity because he knew about the high quality of education in District 121 and how many good people are there.

"I'm humbled and proud by the opportunity to be part of a great district," Woestman said.

The school board began the search in the fall, working with the Illinois Association of School Boards as a consultant.

Woestman said he was brought in for two rounds of in-person interviews with the board. The first was in November, when he was in a group of six finalists, and the second in December, when he and one other candidate returned for the final round.

Part of the process in December was an interview with members of the community and district staff.

Board President Paul Schulz said the board is excited about Woestman's hiring.

"As our new superintendent, Danny's experience and positive energy will be a great addition to both our school and our community," Schulz said.

Woestman recently was named the 2020-21 Kishwaukee Region Superintendent of the Year by the Illinois Principal Association. Before his current role leading the Belvidere district, he was an assistant superintendent and director of accountability at Rockford Public Schools.

Woestman earned his bachelor's degree at Brigham Young University in Utah, his master's degree from the University of Cincinnati and his doctorate from Northern Illinois University. He lives in Cary with his wife and three children.

Woestman said Ahlgrim has offered to help with his transition into his role in District 121 this summer. Ahlgrim, who became superintendent in 2015, is set to retire at the end of the school year.