Huntley District 158 superintendent to resign

Huntley Community School District 158 Superintendent John Burkey will step down in January, officials announced Saturday.

Burkey will resign effective Jan. 31 to serve as executive director of the Large Unit District Association, a Springfield-based group that provides networking, professional development and advocacy for large unit school districts.

In a news release issued by District 158, Burkey called the district a special place.

"There are so many talented, caring people that work for (District) 158, and it has been the highest honor to work alongside the employees of this district," Burkey said.

The District 158 school board will name an interim superintendent, who will serve for the rest of the school year. The board also will launch a search for a full-time replacement for the 2018-19 term and beyond.

In the news release, school board President Don Drzal said the panel is saddened to lose Burkey's "visionary leadership."

"But (we) are excited that students throughout the state of Illinois will now benefit from his abilities," Drzal said.

District 158 has five elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school.

Burkey was hired as superintendent in 2006. During his tenure, enrollment has grown from fewer than 7,000 students to nearly 10,000.

Burkey oversaw various construction projects and the implementation of a program that gave every student district-owned tablet or laptop computers.