Prairie Grove District 46 Hires New Superintendent

Prairie Grove Consolidated School District 46 has hired a new superintendent.

Earlier this month, the school board approved the hiring of John Bute who formerly spent 12 years as the superintendent of Central School District #104 in O’Fallon, Ill. Bute will replace Dr. Phil Bender who retired effective December 30, 2016. Dan Bertrand is currently serving as part-time interim superintendent of the district until June 30, according to a District 46 press release.

“The board is excited to begin working with our new Superintendent and our outstanding faculty, staff and administrative team, to continue our legacy of educational excellence,” said Joe Ricciardi, President of the Board of Education. “We feel Mr. Bute’s considerable experience and the dedication to continuous improvement he articulated during the selection process will serve the district well.”

Before being employed at Central School District in O’Fallon, Bute served as superintendent at Bureau Valley Consolidated Unit School District #340 in Manlius, Ill., and Pleasant Hill School District #69 in Peoria. John was also a high school and junior high principal for seven years in Farmington, Clay City and St. Elmo, Ill.

Butt is a candidate for a doctoral degree in Education Administration and Leadership from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. He received his Educational Specialist degree from Eastern Illinois University in 2006, according to a District 46 news release. In addition, he has a master’s degree in Administration and Leadership from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Social Science Education from Eastern Illinois University.