D304 Director Of Learning Promoted To Assistant Superintendent Role

GENEVA, IL — Geneva Community Unit School District 304's director of learning and teaching will be promoted within the administration, officials announced.

Shonette Sims will begin her new role as assistant superintendent of learning and teaching July 1, replacing Andrew Barrett, who was selected as the district's new superintendent.

The Department of Learning and Teaching is responsible for ensuring the district's teachers have the materials, resources and professional development needed to instruct and support students. Staff in the department also evaluate the overall effectiveness of those resources and educational programming.

Sims has worked within District 304 since July 2004 when she was hired as a dean of students at Geneva High School. She has since held several administrative roles at Geneva High School before switching over to serve as principal of Harrison Street Elementary School for five years. She also spent 11 years working as a special education teacher.

"We are united in our shared commitment to the growth and development of the school-aged children of Geneva," Sims said, according to a news release, adding she has enjoyed working "with all the people in the many roles throughout the district."

Sims holds a bachelor's degree in special education from Illinois State University and a master's degree in administration from Aurora University. She also holds licensures for director of special education and superintendent.