Itasca Elementary District 10 sets up transition for retiring superintendent
At the March 13 meeting, the Itasca Elementary District 10 board of education unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Heidi Weeks to deputy superintendent for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years and for appointment as superintendent for the following three school years (2026-29).
This appointment provides for a strong transition for the school district in anticipation of Superintendent Craig Benes’ retirement on June 30, 2026.
Benes has served as superintendent for the last 9 years and will continue to do so for the next two school years.
Board President Marty Lundeen states, “the board of education evaluated and determined Dr. Weeks’ appointment through a rigorous process with school and community leaders.”
He continued to say, “We look forward to continuing to work together to provide an incredible and safe learning experience for our students, a collaborative school for parents and a supportive environment for our teachers and staff.”
Weeks brings a wealth of experience to her current role as assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, having previously served as the principal at Peacock Middle School.
With 16 years of teaching experience and 11 years in administration, Weeks has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence through her focus on professional learning, research-based instructional practices, and standards-based curriculums.
Before joining District 10, she was an administrator and teacher in Bloomingdale District 13 and a teacher in Algonquin-based Community Unit District 300.
Weeks earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Eastern Illinois University, a master’s degree in teaching and a doctorate in educational leadership from Aurora University.
Dr. Weeks states “I am eager to continue in my role as a leader in District 10, as we work together to provide a robust and safe learning environment for our students, alongside fostering great relationships with our staff, families and community members.”