Prairie Grove School District 46 superintendent resigns in middle of school year, without explanation

Prairie Grove School District 46 Superintendent John Bute has left his position in the middle of the school year, seemingly abruptly.

The District 46 board released a letter Tuesday informing the public that Bute, who’d served as the district’s superintendent since 2017, has resigned effective Friday. No information was given as to why Bute left the position.

District 46 declined to provide further comments or information. No interim superintendent was named.

“The Board of Education will be meeting as soon as possible to discuss next steps and ensure continuity for our students, staff and community,” the board said in the letter. “We will share additional information as it becomes available.”

The next scheduled board meeting is set for Jan. 20, according to district records.

The district announced in November that a new superintendent will start July 1. Harvard School District 50 announced its assistant superintendent, Vicki Larson, will leave for the new position at the end of this school year.

Larson, who has been with District 50 since 2018, helped the district with educator recruitment and retention, built international hiring initiatives for the dual language program and expanded the mentor program for new teachers, according to a District 50 news release.

According to a news release in November, Larson “will engage in a collaborative transition process with our retiring Superintendent, Dr. John Bute, to ensure seamless continuity and forward momentum for our students and staff.”

It is unknown if that transition process will still happen with Bute leaving Friday.

“I am beyond excited and truly honored to join the Prairie Grove School District 46 as your next Superintendent,” Larson said in the District 46 news release. “From my very first conversation, it was clear that Prairie Grove is a special place where students are known, valued and inspired to thrive. I sincerely thank the Board of Education and the interview committees for the time, dedication and warm welcome they shared throughout this process. It spoke volumes about the heart of this community.”

Larson also serves on the United Way for Greater McHenry County Board of Directors.

District 46 consists of one building, at 3223 Route 176, with an elementary and junior high school serving grades pre-kindergarten through eighth.