Following ethics probe of predecessor, District 214 hires new operations director
After an ethics scandal and administrative turnover at the central office, Northwest Suburban High School District 214 has a new director of operations who will be tasked with helping oversee a massive capital improvement plan in the coming years.
Aneta Mistak started her new $158,000-a-year job Tuesday after a recent promotion from the assistant director position. She’s responsible for the buildings and grounds of the state's second-largest high school district, which includes six high schools and the administration center in Arlington Heights.
Some 165 maintenance engineers, grounds crew members and custodians will report to her.
Mistak, who became interim assistant director starting in July 2022, initially reported to Jerry Cook, who was subject of an internal investigation for violating the district's ethics and gift ban policy. The probe found Cook exceeded a $100-per-year vendor gift limit by $147.40 during an HVAC contractor's April 2023 all-expense-paid trip to Kentucky.
Cook, who was hired as East Aurora High School principal just days after he returned from Kentucky, declined a request for an interview with District 214’s legal counsel who conducted the ethics investigation last October.
In an announcement of her promotion, district officials said Mistak has been a key member of the leadership team who helped recruit talent, emphasize accountability and green initiatives, and develop new standardized procedures.
Superintendent Scott Rowe said Mistak has been an asset to the district, at a time when officials embark on an estimated $852 million worth of building and campus upgrades over the next decade. The seven facilities range in age from 50 years (Buffalo Grove High School) to 66 years (Prospect High School).
“She’s widely respected throughout the district,” Rowe said. “She does an excellent job and is a very hard worker. Looking forward to her leadership and guidance through a lot of work in the coming years.”
In the short term, that will include phase one of a fields renovation project at Buffalo Grove, with a new softball field, auxiliary turf field, tennis courts and concession stand. Upcoming summer work also will include a roof replacement at Prospect and student services area upgrades at Elk Grove.
Mistak was hired as building and grounds supervisor at Wheeling High School in 2020, after nearly five years as assistant plant operator at nearby Glenbrook South High School. She has an associate’s degree in applied science and business administration from Triton College and is working toward a bachelor’s degree in business administration from DePaul University.