Doug Wernet to succeed Dr. Maura Zinni as superintendent of D157C

FRANKFORT, IL — The Frankfort District 157-C Board of Education selected Chelsea Intermediate School Principal Doug Wernet to fill the position of superintendent following Dr. Maura Zinni’s retirement at the end of the 2020-2021 school year.

The Board announced its decision at its June 17 regular meeting following two Closed Session meetings earlier in the month to interview internal candidates.

“We are happy to announce Mr. Wernet as replacement for Dr. Zinni at the end of the 2020-2021 school year,” Board President Edith Lutz said. “We believe Mr. Wernet’s vision as a leader fits perfectly into our District mission of educating the whole child while still supporting the needs of each child.”

“History has shown that our high-performing teachers and administrators are commonly recruited to other districts,” Board Member Dr. Larry Kociolek added. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to promote from within our deep pool of highly valued and tremendously talented educators.”

Wernet is currently working toward his doctorate in educational leadership with a superintendent endorsement from the University of St. Francis. He has a master’s degree in educational leadership from Concordia University, a master’s degree in education: reading specialist from Olivet Nazarene University, a teacher certification from Trinity Christian College and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa.

Wernet has served as principal of Chelsea since 2018. Prior to that, he was assistant principal and grade level administrator for seventh grade at Wilmette Junior High School. Earlier in his career, he was interim assistant principal at Central Middle School in Tinley Park after spending five years as a reading and language arts teacher for multiple grades at the school.

“The challenge of supporting the entire FSD 157-C school community in achieving big-picture educational goals was appealing to me,” Wernet said. “I have been consistently inspired by those who I am fortunate enough to work alongside, and that was what pushed me to pursue the superintendency. Also, as a principal in the District, I have seen firsthand how our Board of Education supports this organization in all our efforts. Their dedication in helping us promote high standards for student achievement, social-emotional learning, and extracurricular activities was an essential part of my desire to move into the role.”

In the coming school year, Wernet will continue to serve as principal of Chelsea and will also begin a transition plan, learning the role of superintendent from Zinni.

Of his time at Chelsea so far, Wernet said he is proudest of the school team’s efforts to foster a supportive school environment and promote strong relationships with students and families.

“Anyone who visits our building can feel the positive energy, because our team truly loves coming to work and being in front of the students,” he said. “The staff works tirelessly to provide engaging instruction for each student and pairs that effort with the important work of teaching social-emotional skills. It has been so rewarding to see our students flourish during their time in third, fourth and fifth grade thanks to the collaborative efforts of the professionals in our building. I am very happy to be a part of the Chelsea leadership team again this upcoming school year.”

Wernet said he looks forward to learning the nuances and challenges of the superintendent role under Zinni’s guidance.

Since 2014, Zinni has served as superintendent of District 157-C. During her tenure, the District has met and exceeded the goals set in its 21st Century Continuous Learning Plan, including implementing one-to-one technology for grades 3-8 and one-to-one access for all pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade students should remote learning be needed.

The District has ranked ninth in Illinois for academic performance for two consecutive years, with an overall increase in ranking over the past six years. The District increased its focus on social and emotional learning, equity and cultural competence. Two successful teacher contracts were negotiated, recognizing the stellar performance of teaching staff with an emphasis on competitive compensation to enhance employee stability. The District abated $6.6 million in property taxes for taxpayers, maintained a Triple-A bond rating and earned a 3.9 out of 4.0 financial rating from the Illinois State Board of Education. Additionally, the District implemented state-of-the-art security measures in its buildings and continued to focus on capital improvements, with a major improvement plan in discussion currently for Chelsea.

Zinni said the achievements of the past six years have been possible through a collaborative effort between the School Board, staff members and administrators.

“I am appreciative for the support of the Board of Education, our families and the outstanding 157-C staff during my tenure in the District,” Zinni said. “Collectively, we have accomplished much, and I am certain the District’s track record for success will continue under Mr. Wernet’s leadership.”

Wernet said he looks forward to beginning the transition plan, as it will allow him to gain experience and prepare him to best support the achievement of the District’s goals from his first days in the position next year.

“Mr. Wernet’s new contract will allow him to work in a transition mode this year,” Zinni said. “This is an ideal opportunity for Mr. Wernet to learn about the workings of the Office of Superintendent while continuing to lead Chelsea School. When Mr. Wernet assumes the role of Superintendent on July 1, 2021, the School District will be favorably positioned to continue to perform as a high-ranking and financially stable educational organization that is committed to putting students first.”

“It is an honor to be chosen for this position, and I look forward to demonstrating my commitment to carrying out the mission of the District,” Wernet said. “I cannot wait to build relationships with even more of our teachers, students and families. Together, I know we will create our vision for the future of Frankfort School District 157-C and the continued success of all our students.”