Today, River Forest District 90 welcomes Ms. Janice Pavelonis on her first day as superintendent. Ms. Pavelonis comes to River Forest after concluding her fifth year as superintendent of Carbondale Elementary District 95 in June. During her tenure at District 95, she 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.
Ms. Pavelonis also brings experience strengthening educator and leadership capacity in school districts across the southern IL region from her years spent 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 unanimously appointed by the Board of Education on January 20, 2026, following an extensive search started in the fall of 2025. More than 235 staff and community members provided their input through a series of leadership conversations, a survey, and roundtable discussions with finalists. Ms. Pavelonis succeeds Dr. Ed Condon, who retired on June 30, 2026 after fifteen years of service as the superintendent of District 90 Schools.
Based in the District Office at 776 West Lake Street, Ms. Pavelonis will be spending time in all of the school buildings and at community events in the weeks and months ahead. She looks forward to meeting and getting to know students, staff, and families.