West Chicago superintendent leaving for new job

West Chicago Elementary District 33 Superintendent Charles Johns has resigned after five years to become the top administrator in Glenbrook High School District 225.

He will begin his new job July 1.

The school board will "review leadership options over the next few weeks," officials said.

"I am deeply proud of the way that we bring together Strong Schools, Strong Families and Strong Community to ensure the well-being and success of our students," Johns said in a written statement. "I am completely certain of the positive direction of the district and that the district has the right leadership team and personnel to keep our trajectory of success going well into the future."

During his tenure, the district expanded early childhood learning opportunities, implemented a one-way and two-way dual language program, expanded gifted and talented programming, made changes to math and reading curriculum and added a social-emotional learning curriculum in elementary schools that aligns with middle school programming.

The district also developed a community schools model that places family liaisons at each school to ensure families have the access they need to help their children. That program partners with more than 70 area organizations to provide resources to families.