District 70 hires first female superintendent

The Libertyville Elementary District 70 board on Thursday night unanimously hired the district's first female superintendent.

Rebecca A. Jenkins - who worked as a deputy and an assistant superintendent for the last six years - will take the reins as superintendent April 4, according to a news release.

Jenkins will replace Matt Barbini, who withdrew his request for a contract extension and is on a paid leave of absence through June.

"I am honored and humbled to be chosen as the first female superintendent for Libertyville School District 70," Jenkins said in the news release. "I think it is fitting to be voted in during Women's Week! I am thankful to the board for the thorough and robust process that was engaged in to chose your next superintendent."

Jenkins is currently deputy superintendent for Lake Forest Elementary District 67 and Lake Forest High School District 115; before that she served as assistant superintendent for both districts.

Previously Jenkins was a middle school principal for nine years at Aptakisic-Tripp Elementary School District 102 in Buffalo Grove. She started her career as an elementary school teacher.

Jenkins lives in Crystal Lake with her husband and daughter and is expected to be awarded a doctorate of education this spring.

"Rebecca will bring high energy to the district and has already shared with the district some initiatives she would like to introduce," board President Wendy Schilling said in the news release.