Outgoing District 157-C Superintendent Honored By Village Board

FRANKFORT, IL — After serving as Frankfort School District 157-C’s superintendent for the past seven years, Maura Zinni was honored for her commitment and service the community with a proclamation that was presented to the longtime educator by the Village Board of Trustees.

Zinni announced her retirement last year when it was announced she would be replaced by Chelsea Intermediate School principal Doug Wernet at the end of the 2020-21 school year. Wernet begins the post on July 1, which made this week the perfect time for the village’s Board of Trustees to honor Zinni for her tenure with District 157-C.

Zinni, who has worked in education for 40 years, was recognized not only for her time in Frankfort but for her “significant contributions” made to local education to the development of young people in the Frankfort community.

Frankfort Mayor Keith Ogle said the village is honoring Zinni for the remarkable academic achievements and enrichment of all learners and for the designation of District 157-C from the Illinois State Board of Education. All three of the district’s schools have been recognized with the National Blue Ribbon being given to Hickory Creek Middle School. Zinni also oversaw initiatives to expand special services for children with unique educational needs as well as the expansion of access to technology for all students throughout the district.

The proclamation also acknowledged the collaboration between the District and the Village of Frankfort to introduce a full-time school resource officer. Village officials also highlighted the district’s outstanding fiscal responsibility and holding taxpayers accountable, the village said in a news release.

Zinni was also honored for her “extraordinary leadership” through the coronavirus pandemic when she developed a remote learning plan and oversaw an effort to deal with constantly changing health protocols. She also advocated for district administrators and staff members to have early access to the coronavirus vaccines.

“I cannot tell you what an honor it has been to serve as the Superintendent of Frankfort for the last seven years,” Zinni said in accepting the proclamation. “You have all chosen the most wonderful community to raise your children and to be an active member in this community. We could not have accomplished what we did without your support.”

She added: “On behalf of the Board of Education, thank you for the support that you give our students, teachers, and staff. It certainly has been an honor to serve the children and families of Frankfort.”