Lockport District 91 Board Of Education Names New Superintendent

The Lockport School District 91 Board of Education has named Dr. Kathleen Wilkey as the next superintendent of schools starting July 1st, 2021 to succeed Mrs. Donna Gray, who is retiring at the end of the school year. Dr. Wilkey currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction at Mokena School District 159 and is an adjunct faculty member at the University of St. Francis teaching both doctoral and graduate level courses.

The selection is the result of a national search conducted with the assistance of BWP & Associates that produced 36 qualified applicants from diverse geographic and professional backgrounds.

The school board reports being extraordinarily pleased with the outcome of this search process. In the end, Dr. Kathleen Wilkey proved herself the best fit to carry forward the vision of the District. Her track record of driving academic excellence in various leadership roles over the past 14 years, along with her passion for working collaboratively with the students, parents, families, staff, and community, demonstrates her capability to succeed in this new role.

Dr. Wilkey completed the doctoral program in Educational Administration Foundations from Illinois State University where she also earned both her Superintendent and Chief School Business Official endorsements. Prior to obtaining her doctorate, she earned a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Governors State University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Illinois Wesleyan University.

“The Board of Education is excited that Dr. Kathleen Wilkey will be the new leader for Lockport School District 91,” Board President Garrett said. “As a board, we knew we needed a leader that valued our traditions and stability, yet will take us to the next level with a new spirit of energy and enthusiasm. I’m excited to begin this journey with Kathleen.”

“I am both honored and excited to join the Lockport School District 91 family. Through the interview process, it was very apparent that my core values match those of the District 91 family, specifically their focus on honesty, integrity, and loyalty,” said Dr. Kathleen Wilkey. “I look forward to meeting with the staff, students, parents and community in the upcoming months to actively engage all stakeholders in developing a post-pandemic plan that focuses on student academic achievement gaps, student social and emotional needs, safety, and a family/community re-engagement campaign.”