The Board of Education announced the selection of Ms. Janice Pavelonis as superintendent for River Forest District 90 Schools, effective July 1, 2026. The Board unanimously approved the appointment during the board meeting last night.
Currently in her fifth year as superintendent of Carbondale Elementary District 95, Ms. Pavelonis has implemented research-based instructional frameworks and curricula, built staff and leadership capacity, and engaged families in fostering the success of students. Prior to that, she served as the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, a role in which she amplified instructional rigor, strengthened professional development and coaching, and raised student achievement.
Previously, Ms. Pavelonis strengthened educator and leadership capacity in school districts across the southern IL region as the Director of Professional Learning for the Regional Office of Education #30. In addition, she advised hundreds of school district leaders across the state on maximizing student outcomes through data-driven, research-backed plans for the Illinois Center for School Improvement, in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education.
Prior to her work across the state, Ms. Pavelonis served as a principal, literacy coach, and response to intervention coordinator. Earlier in her career, she served as a classroom teacher in a variety of elementary grades including Kindergarten, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 8th grades.
Ms. Pavelonis received her MA in Education Administration from Murray State University and her BS in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in Education Leadership at Southern Illinois University.
Ms. Pavelonis was selected following an extensive search conducted by the Board of Education with support from BWP, an educational search firm. More than 235 staff and community members provided their input through a series of leadership conversations, a survey, and roundtable discussions with finalists this fall and winter. She will succeed Dr. Ed Condon, who will retire on June 30, 2026 after fifteen years of service as the superintendent of District 90 Schools.