Regional Superintendent • Kane County ROE • Appointed July 2025

Serving Kane County's
100,000+ Students
Every Single Day.

As Kane County's Regional Superintendent of Schools, John K. Jonak leads the ROE with one unwavering focus: ensuring every educator, student, and school district in our county has the resources, support, and leadership they need to succeed.

100K+Students

9School Districts

9,600+Educators

524Square Miles

What Education Leaders Say

About John Jonak

An Educator, a Veteran,
a Kane County Neighbor

John Jonak has spent more than 27 years in Illinois public education — as a classroom teacher, coach, assistant principal, school principal, superintendent, and now as Kane County’s Regional Superintendent of Schools. Every chapter of that career was guided by one belief: every child deserves excellent schools.

As a Batavia resident and the spouse of a Special Education teacher in Batavia 101, John experiences Kane County’s schools not just as an administrator — but as a neighbor, a community member, and a parent.

A retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class with nearly 20 years of military service including deployment to Afghanistan, John brings the same discipline, genuine care for people, and commitment to mission to the ROE that he brought to his soldiers — and to every student he’s served.

Leadership Philosophy

Lead. Assist. Inspire.

The Kane County ROE’s core mission — and the philosophy that guides every decision John makes as Regional Superintendent.

Education First

Every decision at the Kane County ROE begins and ends with one question: what is best for our students? The Regional Superintendent’s job is about children — not politics. John shows up to that job every day, as a professional and as a Kane County parent.

Proven Record

From classroom teacher to DuPage County Principal of the Year to superintendent, John has built a track record of measurable results across three decades in Illinois education — at every level of the system.

Community Commitment

Superintendents, teachers, board members, military officers, and community leaders across Illinois have worked alongside John and earned trust in his integrity, his judgment, and his care for the people he serves.

Endorsements

What Community Leaders Say

November 3, 2026 General Election

Help Elect an Educator, Not a Politician

Kane County’s 100,000+ students are best served by experienced, student-focused leadership. Your support keeps an educator in this role.

About

John K. Jonak

Teacher. Coach. Principal. Superintendent. Soldier. Neighbor. A career built entirely on service to children and community.

Quick Facts

Current Role: Kane County Regional Superintendent
Appointed: July 1, 2025
Experience: 27+ years in Illinois Education
Military: U.S. Army, Retired SFC (~20 years)
Deployment: Afghanistan, 2008–2009
Community: Batavia, Illinois (Batavia USD 101)

Biography

John Jonak has spent more than 27 years building, leading, and transforming schools across northeastern Illinois — from the classroom to the Regional Superintendent’s office.

John’s journey in education began as a part-time paraprofessional at an elementary school in Mattoon, Illinois, while attending Lakeland Community College — a ground-floor start that shaped how he sees every role in a school. After graduating from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in Elementary Education, he joined Heritage Middle School in Berwyn as a Social Studies and Literature teacher. He became known as “Mr. Heritage” for his dedication to school culture and student success, serving as coach, athletic director, and mentor to new teachers every year.

His path into administration was rapid and deliberate. As Assistant Principal at Mannheim Middle School in District 83, John broadened his expertise across every dimension of school leadership — curriculum, technology, Title I, staff evaluation, and professional development. He was, in the words of the district superintendent, the best administrative hire of a 13-year tenure.

As Principal of Westmont Junior High School, John spent nearly a decade transforming the building’s culture and performance, earning recognition as DuPage County Principal of the Year. He launched programs that became models for other schools: E-Period flexible learning, school-wide mental health initiatives, a 1:1 technology program, the Student Service Learning Commitment (community service for all 8th graders), and Community Talks — a TED-style program bringing local adults into school to share their experience with students.

As Superintendent of Rosemont School District 78, John served as the district’s sole administrator — managing curriculum, budget, human resources, facilities, safety, and community relations with a comprehensive competence that drew strong praise from his board president and community partners.

In July 2025, John was appointed by the Kane County Board to serve as Regional Superintendent, succeeding the legendary Patricia Dal Santo following her 32-year career with the ROE. He is now running to be elected to the role in his own right on November 3, 2026.

John is a Batavia resident and the husband of Tonia, a Special Education teacher in Batavia USD 101. He is the father of Jackson and Addie, students in Batavia schools. The Jonak family experienced profound loss with the death of their oldest daughter Katie in 2016 — a loss that deepened John’s commitment to ensuring every child in Kane County is safe, supported, and seen.

Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education

Eastern Illinois University, 1998

Master of Arts in Administration & Leadership

Benedictine University, 2006

Superintendent Licensure

Northern Illinois University, 2021

Career Path

A Career Built on Service

Education Career

July 2025 – Present

Regional Superintendent of Schools

Kane County Regional Office of Education • Geneva, IL

Appointed by the Kane County Board to succeed Patricia Dal Santo. Leading professional development, alternative education, educator licensure, school safety, truancy support, and GED services for 100,000+ students and 9,600+ educators across nine school districts and 524 square miles.

2022 – June 2025

Superintendent

Rosemont Elementary School District 78 • Rosemont, IL

Served as sole district administrator managing curriculum, budget, facilities, safety, human resources, and community relations. Modernized operations, implemented new safety systems, hired instructional leadership, and created an Administrative Procedure Handbook aligned with Board policies.

2021 – 2022

Director of Student Services & Early Childhood Programs

Westmont Community Unit School District 201 • Westmont, IL

2012 – 2021

Principal

Westmont Junior High School, CUSD 201 • Westmont, IL

DuPage County Principal of the Year. Nine years of transformational leadership. Programs launched under his tenure include E-Period flexible learning, school-wide mental health initiatives, a 1:1 technology program, the Student Service Learning Commitment, and Community Talks — all still operating today.

2006 – 2011

Assistant Principal

Mannheim Middle School, District 83 • Franklin Park, IL

Full administrative scope: discipline, scheduling, technology leadership, Title I coordination, and staff evaluation for both certified and non-certified staff. Named by the superintendent as the best administrative hire of his 13-year tenure.

1999 – 2006

Teacher, Coach & Athletic Director

Heritage Middle School, South Berwyn School District • Berwyn, IL

7th grade Social Studies and Literature. Member of interdisciplinary team. Mentor to new teachers annually since his second year. Athletic Director and PBIS Leadership Team member. Known throughout the community as "Mr. Heritage."

Early Career

Paraprofessional

Elementary School, Mattoon, IL

Began career in education from the ground up — before his degree, before administration — as a classroom paraprofessional. This foundation shapes how John sees every role in a school building.

Military Service

~1991 – 2010

Sergeant First Class (Retired)

Illinois Army National Guard, U.S. Army

Nearly 20 years of service, rising to Sergeant First Class. Served as Platoon and Battalion Operations Sergeant, responsible for 40+ soldiers, $1M+ in equipment, and complex multi-mission logistics. Completed thousands of hours of leadership training in both military and civilian roles simultaneously.

2008 – 2009

Deployment: Operation Enduring Freedom

Northern Afghanistan

Platoon Sergeant overseeing security operations across Northern Afghanistan, including VIP security, daily convoy operations, base security across multiple outposts, and Personal Security Detachment for the Northern Afghanistan Commander. Credited by his Platoon Leader (now Lt. Colonel, U.S. Army) for innovation, soldier care, organizational mastery, tact, and absolute trust under pressure.

2005

Deployment: Hurricane Katrina Relief

New Orleans, Louisiana

Managed personnel operations and critical support functions during 18-hour daily operations in active crisis conditions — while simultaneously completing graduate coursework for his administration degree.

2002

Deployment: Europe

Germany

Understanding the Office

The Role of the
Regional Superintendent

Most voters have never heard of the Regional Superintendent — but the work of this office touches every school in Kane County, every single day.

The Regional Superintendent of Schools is a statutory education position established by Illinois law — not a partisan political role in practice. The Regional Superintendent is the chief educational officer for an intermediate service region, acting as the critical link between the Illinois State Board of Education and local school districts. This job is about children, educators, and schools — not politics. John Jonak shows up to that job every day as both a professional and a Kane County neighbor.

Statutory Functions

What This Office Does Every Day

01

Professional Development & Institute Days

The ROE coordinates and delivers professional development programming for teachers and administrators across all nine districts — organizing Institute Days, workshops, and online academies that raise the quality of instruction in every classroom in Kane County. John K. Jonak leads this work as Regional Superintendent.

02

Educator Licensure & Background Checks

Every teacher, coach, and school employee in Kane County must be fingerprinted and background-checked before setting foot in a school. The ROE processes thousands of these clearances annually, ensuring only qualified, properly licensed professionals work with our children.

03

School Safety Inspections

By Illinois law, the Regional Superintendent must conduct annual safety inspections of every school building in Kane County — reviewing structural conditions, fire safety, and operational readiness of the facilities where our children spend their days.

04

Alternative Education Programs

The ROE operates Alternative Learning Opportunities Programs and Regional Safe School Programs for students who need a different educational environment to succeed. In FY25, 209 students were served through these programs — students who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

05

Attendance & Truancy Support

ROE specialists work directly with students, families, and schools across Kane County to address barriers to regular school attendance — serving as liaisons between homes, schools, and communities to help students re-engage and succeed academically. John K. Jonak personally champions this work.

06

GED & High School Equivalency

The Kane County ROE provides GED and High School Equivalency testing services for community members who need alternative pathways to credentials — serving adult learners of all ages who are building better futures for themselves and their families.

07

Juvenile Justice Center Education

Under agreement with St. Charles, the ROE operates the education program at the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center, ensuring that students in detention receive a quality education and are set up for successful reintegration into their schools and communities.

08

Bus Driver Training & Safety

The ROE coordinates bus driver training and certification for school transportation staff across Kane County — a critical safety function that ensures the students on our school buses are in safe hands from the moment they board until the moment they arrive.

09

ISBE Liaison & Fiscal Oversight

The ROE is the critical connection between local school districts and the Illinois State Board of Education — ensuring districts meet compliance requirements, receive accurate state guidance, and are supported in financial oversight, policy matters, and state reporting.

“My dedication lies in connecting with students, families, and educators that make our school communities so special. The ROE has a rich history of supporting these educational efforts, and being a leader of that work is a tremendous responsibility.”

— John K. Jonak, upon appointment as Regional Superintendent, June 2025

The Regional Superintendent serves every student, educator, and family in Kane County — regardless of party, district, or zip code. That is the job. That is what John shows up to do every day.

Who We Serve

The Nine School Districts of Kane County

The Kane County ROE serves and supports nine school districts spanning 524 square miles across Kane County. Each district has its own unique communities, needs, and challenges — and all nine count on the ROE every day.

Elgin USD U-46

Illinois’ second-largest district

Batavia USD 101

Batavia, IL

West Aurora USD 129

Aurora, IL

East Aurora USD 131

Aurora, IL

Central CUSD 301

Burlington/Hampshire area

Kaneland CSD 302

Maple Park area

St. Charles CUSD 303

St. Charles, IL

Geneva CUSD 304

Geneva, IL

Oswego CUSD 308

Oswego area

Verify current district listing at kaneroe.org. Some district boundaries may have changed.

Community Partnerships: The Kane County ROE collaborates with CASA Kane County, Kane County Health Department, KCHRC, Operation Snowball, and the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center to ensure students and families have access to the full range of supports they need to thrive.

Record & Vision

What’s Been Done.
What’s Next.

Actions speak louder than campaigns. Here is a record of service — and a clear vision for what comes next.

100K+Students in our region

9,600+Educators supported

209Alt-ed students served (FY25)

27+Years education leadership

At the Kane County ROE

Record of Action

Since being appointed Regional Superintendent in July 2025, John has focused on strengthening every service the ROE provides to Kane County’s students, districts, and families.

Championed Student Attendance & Truancy Support
Reinforced the ROE’s commitment to getting students back in school — providing resources to families and working across county departments to address attendance barriers and support students in crisis.
Supported School-Court System Collaboration
Hosted Kane County school counselors, psychologists, and social workers alongside Circuit Court Judge Sandra Parga and legal representatives to improve how schools support students involved in the court system — a direct investment in keeping children connected to education.
Maintained Strong Professional Development Pipeline
Continued and expanded the Kane County ROE’s nationally recognized professional learning offerings — in-person and online workshops, academies, and Institute Day programming serving 9,600+ educators across nine districts.
Ensured Efficient Educator Licensure Processing
Maintained timely, accurate processing of educator background checks and licensure verifications — protecting students and helping districts bring qualified staff into schools without unnecessary delay.
Built Relationships Across All Nine Districts
Established collaborative, trust-based relationships with district superintendents, principals, and board members across all nine Kane County districts — ensuring the ROE is a genuine resource, not a bureaucratic obstacle.

Community Support

Endorsements

Education leaders, military officers, board members, and community partners who have worked alongside John firsthand — speaking up for Kane County’s schools.

The following endorsements come from superintendents, principals, teachers, military officers, and community leaders who have worked directly with John Jonak over more than 27 years. These are not political endorsements — they are professional testimonials from people who know firsthand what it takes to lead schools and earn the trust of a community.

Education Leaders

“John Jonak is a leader of children, a leader of teachers, and… a leader of leaders. I have the utmost confidence that these characteristics would translate into a highly successful experience in your district.”

David Katzin

Superintendent, Franklin Park Public Schools District 84 — served as John’s IASA “new superintendent” mentor

“John was the best administrative hire I made during my thirteen-year tenure as superintendent. I recommend John Jonak without reservation.”

Kevin M. Carey

Former Superintendent, Community Unit School District 201

“He will give you honest answers to your questions, be open and transparent, and will always put the needs of your students first.”

James Cunneen

Principal Consultant, C&H Educational Consultants; Former Rosemont School Township Treasurer

“John Jonak is one of the most caring, charismatic, knowledgeable, dedicated, and hard-working educators and administrators I’ve ever met. Having him at the helm of any school district would be a gift to all stakeholders.”

Leslie K. Hodes

Former Principal, Heritage Middle School, Berwyn, IL — has known John for 25+ years

“John is creative, innovative, expressive, compassionate, and has the energy and know-how to take any district to the next level of greatness. He is incredibly dedicated and desperately wants the best for students, staff, and the community.”

Michael Courington

Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Mannheim District 83 (16-year colleague)

“In all my years of teaching, I have never felt the need for optimistic leadership more than I do today. John is the person who can lead during these times. He knows how to listen to concerns and refocus every stakeholder on the important role of schools in our community.”

Nancy Bartosz

Second Grade Teacher, Manning Elementary School

“I have NEVER heard a single person in our community say anything but complimentary words about John. He is highly regarded by our school board, which understands his deep character and community investment.”

Nancy Bartosz

Manning Elementary School, Westmont CUSD 201

“While John has an impeccable set of professional credentials, he also has the personality that makes him a great educator and building leader. His compassion for individuals goes beyond most people’s capacity.”

Timothy Daley

Retired Principal, Mannheim Middle School, District 83 (2004–2022)

“I wholeheartedly recommend John Jonak for any leadership role. He is a principled, compassionate, and highly effective leader who always puts the needs of students and staff first.”

Amber Quirk

Regional Superintendent, DuPage Regional Office of Education

“John possesses a strong working knowledge of current research and trends in the field and displays exceptional instructional leadership skills — laser-focused in his drive to remain responsive to the diverse needs of students, staff, and the community.”

David Katzin

Superintendent, Franklin Park Public Schools District 84

Board & Community Leaders

“John Jonak has the desire and skill to serve as Superintendent. He undertook numerous activities to more effectively enhance the District’s operations and always put the needs of students first.”

Christopher R. Stephens

Board President, Rosemont School District 78

“John Jonak is a rare and exceptional leader who exemplifies leadership through competence. He fosters a genuinely collaborative atmosphere and maintains a positive, upbeat energy. His past military experience is not wielded as a tool of authority but as a source of stories illustrating problem-solving and teamwork.”

Carl J. Evans

CEO, Hope For Us Network (15 years in proactive suicide prevention & mental health education across all 50 states)

“He is an honorable and trustworthy person. I assure you that you can have that confidence in John. He will give you honest answers to your questions, be open and transparent, and will always put the needs of your students first.”

James Cunneen

Principal Consultant, C&H Educational Consultants, LLC

“John is focused, organized, and an excellent communicator. He is excellent at analyzing data, identifying areas for growth, and creating an action plan. He knows that the purpose of the goal is many times more important than the goal itself.”

Kevin M. Carey

Former Superintendent, CUSD 201

Military Leadership

“I trust him because of his character, knowledge, capability, and work ethic. I have known John for over 22 years and I hope you have the privilege, as I have had, of working with him in the future.”

Lieutenant Colonel Justin Kramer

Field Artillery Executive Officer, U.S. Army — served as Platoon Leader alongside John during Afghanistan deployment (2008–2009)

Get Involved

Join the Campaign

Whether you want to volunteer, display a yard sign, or simply stay connected — your support helps keep an experienced educator serving Kane County’s schools.

Let’s Connect

The November 3, 2026 general election is approaching. Your support — your time, your yard sign, your voice — helps keep an experienced, student-focused educator in the Kane County Regional Superintendent’s office.

[email protected]

johnjonak.com

Batavia & Kane County, Illinois

General Election Day

November 3, 2026

Kane County Regional Superintendent of Schools

Photo Gallery

John in Action

From the classroom to the community — leading by example across Kane County every single day.

John visiting Kane County school district

Schools & Districts

District Leadership Visit

Meeting with administrators across Kane County to strengthen regional partnerships and student support systems.

Events & Speaking

School Safety Conference

Presenting to over 500 educators and safety staff.

Community

Community Outreach

John at The Conversations Summit at the UIC Forum. He co-chaired the event with Hope For The Day and he and his students led a breakout session about community service and mental resilience.