Batavia school board honors outgoing superintendent

The Batavia school board honored outgoing Superintendent Lisa Hichens at Tuesday night's board meeting.

Hichens is retiring at the end of the month after 22 years of service in Batavia Unit District 101. Her positions have ranged from teaching math at Batavia High School for three years, to becoming dean of students, assistant principal of learning and then superintendent for the past 10 years.

Board members at the meeting thanked Hichens for her service to the district and offered congratulations on her retirement.

Aaron Kilburg, board vice president, described Hichens as kind, curious, collaborative, strong, intelligent and humble.

"I can say without reservation to the community that Lisa has given her absolute best every day in service to the students and people of this district," Kilburg said.

Hichens visited all of Batavia's schools during her first day on the job and plans to do the same on her last day as superintendent.

"As I'm walking around the school, it's a whole journey," Hichens said. "And it's so fun to meet people along the way. And all of the characters that I meet - I just feel like everybody - I'll take you all with me. You're the best."

Incoming Superintendent Tom Kim will begin July 1.

Drew Ray, vice president of the Batavia Education Association, welcomed Kim to the district.

"The BEA is excited to roll up our collective sleeves with senior management and to do the good work together," Ray said. "It may be summer, but that doesn't mean that there isn't time to work towards addressing the needs of our students and staff."