U-46 superintendent taking medical leave of absence

Elgin Area School District U-46 Superintendent Connie Neale will take a medical leave of absence starting Sept. 21, district officials said this afternoon.

Neale is taking the leave on the advice of her doctor, the statement said.

The school board named Mary Jayne Broncato the interim superintendent for Illinois' second largest school district.

Broncato will begin immediately, according to a statement from the district.

Broncato previously served as a consultant for the Stupski Foundation to work directly with U-46 as a project team director.

Broncato also spent 12 years working in high-level positions within the Illinois State Board of Education, including a stint as the interim state superintendent. She also oversaw Joliet School District 86 for several years.

Neale has been superintendent since July of 2002. The district made significant steps in cutting a massive deficit under Neale's watch.