The Kane County Board on Tuesday honored Patricia Dal Santo with a standing ovation and a formal proclamation recognizing her more than five decades of leadership and service in education.
The proclamation was read by Kane County Board member and fellow educator Leslie Juby, who praised Dal Santo's distinguished career, marked by a steadfast commitment to students, educators, and innovation in public education.
Dal Santo, who will be retiring at the end of June, served as Kane County Regional Superintendent of Schools, where she led the Regional Office of Education with distinction. Under her leadership, the office implemented a wide range of impactful initiatives—from professional development and school safety programs to truancy interventions, juvenile detention education, and statewide technology integration.
In addition to her work at the county level, Dal Santo represented Kane County in key state organizations, including the Illinois Coalition for Educating At-Risk Youth and the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools.
Throughout her career, Dal Santo was known for her advocacy for equity, lifelong learning, and the recognition of teachers’ contributions to society. The Kane County Board approved the appointment of John Jonak to serve the remainder of Dal Santo's term as Regional Superintendent, effective July 1, 2025.
“Pat’s impact on education in Kane County will be felt for generations,” said Kane County Board Chairman Corinne Pierog. “Her leadership has truly made a difference.”
Dal Santo issued the following statement about her retirement -
Kane County educators, community members, and colleagues, It has been the honor of my life to serve you as a member of the Regional Office of Education (ROE) over the past 32 years. Now, it is with heartfelt gratitude and a sense of bittersweet joy that I share my intention to retire from the office of Kane County Regional Superintendent of Schools, effective June 30, 2025.
I am forever appreciative for the dedicated educators and community leaders with whom I have had the privilege to work alongside in my career. With your collaboration and partnership, our office has been driven to innovate in ways that best serve students, staff, and communities across Kane County. Together, we have celebrated achievements, faced challenges, and made meaningful progress in ensuring quality educational opportunities for all students.
I believe that one size does not fit all when it comes to how students learn. I have always strived to advocate for meeting every student's needs, in whatever form they take. I am proud to know that our office has been a space for school leaders to come together to address these needs, allocate resources, and share ideas. Since becoming Regional Superintendent of Schools in 2012, my wish has been for the ROE to be a reliable asset for any educator looking to explore new pathways in their career or to address new challenges that come with the profession. I am grateful for the professional and personal relationships that have grown out of these efforts, and my hope is that it has made an effective difference in the educational journey of students across Kane County.
I am pleased to share the Kane County Board has appointed Mr. John Jonak to serve the remainder of my term as Regional Superintendent, effective July 1, 2025.
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John brings an extensive list of qualities to the role of Regional Superintendent, including 26 years in education and nearly two decades in an administrative capacity. Prior to his time with District 78 in Rosemont, where he currently serves as Superintendent, he held two roles within Westmont Community Unit School District 201, serving as the Director of Student Services and Early Childhood Programs for the district for one year after his principalship at Westmont Junior High from 2012-2021. He received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University in 1998, his Master in Administration and Leadership from Benedictine University in 2006, and earned his Superintendent Licensure from Northern Illinois University in 2021. He also carries 20 years of military experience, having served as a Platoon and Battalion Operations Sergeant in the United States Army. Being a Batavia resident, an educator's spouse, and a father to students in District 101, he understands and values the educational community in Kane County. I am thrilled to see the work of the ROE continue under his leadership. As I reflect on every celebration, community event, and learning opportunity, please know that it has been a delight to elevate the accomplishments of Kane County students and staff and to share those moments with you. In preparing for this next chapter, please know that my support for public education and for the mission of the ROE remains unwavering. I have been surrounded by a wonderful team, and their decades of experience will ensure the ROE provides the same level of service and will continue to lead, assist, and inspire. Thank you for the trust, support, and inspiration over the years. Kane County is a wonderful place to learn, and I look forward to seeing continued growth and success across our region in the years to come.
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