‘A genuine passion for education:’ New superintendent hired in Oak Grove District 68

Wrapping up an important decision before the holidays, officials in Green Oaks-based Oak Grove Elementary District 68 recently hired a new superintendent for the 2025-2026 school year.

Bryan Zwemke, assistant superintendent of human resources at Oswego Community Unit District 308, was selected from about 60 candidates and will start July 1. He received a three-year contract with a starting annual base salary of $250,000.

Zwemke has 24 years of experience in education, has excelled in teaching and leadership roles in rural, suburban and urban settings, and is known for dedication to student achievement and engagement, according to the announcement by District 68.

At District 308, Zwemke leads equity-based staffing initiatives, teacher recruitment programs and labor-management collaboration, according to the announcement.

He previously served as superintendent of learning and innovation in Huntley School District 158, where he advanced “curriculum cohesion, fostered community partnerships and improved stakeholder communication,” according to District 68.

“He brings both expertise and a genuine passion for education that will resonate with staff, students and families alike,” said school board President Raabia Khan.

Zwemke’s leadership and a commitment to fostering a “collaborative school culture” make him an ideal fit for Oak Grove, she added.

Oak Grove, a single school K-8 district with 910 students, is dwarfed by District 308, which has 21 schools and nearly 17,000 students.

Zwemke described District 68, a national Blue Ribbon winner, as empowering educators and being dedicated to supporting students in their formative years.

The need for a new superintendent surfaced in June when school officials announced the district was working toward an “amicable and mutual separation” with Allison Sherman, its superintendent of four years.

In July, the district hired veteran educators Jim McKay and former District 68 superintendent Lonny Lemon as interim superintendents for the current school year as the search for a full-time replacement proceeded.

Community input was an “important and intentional and vital part” of the process, Khan said.

Hiring Zwemke now gives him ample opportunity to collaborate with the interim leadership team and become familiar with the community to ensure a smooth transition and “setting them up for success,” Khan added.

A community survey to gather feedback and input of three stakeholder groups during the final round of superintendent interviews were instrumental in helping the board “clarify our priorities” and choose Zwemke, according to Khan.