D101 Superintendent To Retire In 2023 After 22 Years With District

BATAVIA, IL — After one more school year, Batavia School District 101 Superintendent Lisa Hichens will hang up her hat and retire. The educator announced her plan to retire after the 2022-23 school year during Tuesday's Board of Education meeting.

Officials said Hichens will work with the Board of Education to "ensure a smooth transition." She said the next superintendent "can feel confident that the board and staff will continue to work together on behalf of all students."

When she retires, Hichens will have worked in District 101 for 22 years and as an educator for a total of 26 years.

"I am thankful for every member of this community, every family and child I have met along the way, and I wish only the best for BPS101 in the future," Hichens said in a statement. "I will always be a proud Bulldog at heart."

When Hichens first started in District 101 in 1994, she worked as a math teacher at Batavia High School. She worked her way up in the school to serve in leadership roles including dean of students, assistant principal of teaching and learning, and principal. She has been at the district's helm since the 2013-14 school year.

"I am incredibly proud to have served with Lisa over the past nine years," Board of Education President Cathy Dremel said in a statement. "She has a genuine passion for student success and has been a tireless advocate for the staff of Batavia Public Schools. BPS101 has greatly benefited from Lisa’s results-driven leadership and will be missed tremendously by this board, the staff, and the community."

She continued: "Lisa is leaving behind a legacy of leadership. We are confident that the District remains in skillful hands thanks to her expertise in building teams, expanding capacity, and developing talent. Her dedication to providing outstanding education to the children within BPS101, and preparing them for college and careers, is unparalleled. While we are saddened to have her leave us, we are excited about the District's direction thanks to her efforts."

Hichens has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois and a master's in educational leadership, as well as her Type 75 General Administrative Certificate, from Northern Illinois University. She received her doctorate degree in curriculum and instruction from Aurora University, where she also earned her superintendent's endorsement.