Joliet Native New Superintendent For Minooka School District 201

MINOOKA — The Minooka 201 Board of Education has hired Joliet native and educator Rachel Kinder as its next Superintendent of Schools. Effective July 1, Kinder takes over Minooka's elementary school district after severing ties with Valley View School District in March after 17 years.

Minooka 201 consists of Aux Sable Elementary, Minooka Elementary, Jones Elementary, Minooka Intermediate, Minooka Junior High, Minooka Primary Center and Walnut Trails Elementary.

On March 11, Bolingbrook Patch reported that Kinder would continue to receive her base salary through June 30 as well as payment for 20 earned but unused vacation days and $50,000 for her "academic endeavors."

With Minooka, according to Tuesday's press release, Kinder received a three-year contract to replace outgoing District 201 superintendent Kris Monn, who becomes the executive director/CEO of Illinois Association of School Business Officials, on June 30, after nine years with Minooka.

“Superintendent Kinder brings a wealth of experience in public education, exceptional leadership qualities, and a deep commitment to student success,” declared Emily Conquest, Minooka School Board President, in her hiring announcement. “We are confident she will lead our district with integrity, compassion, and innovation.”

Kinder began her teaching career as a Spanish and English as a second language teacher in Joliet Township District 204, where she went to high school. Minooka's press release notes that Kinder "most recently served four years as a Superintendent and nine years as Assistant Superintendent in Valley View School District, the 9th largest school district in the state, serving more than 15,000 PK-12+ learners who represent a rich and diverse collection of racial, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds along with more than 2,500 staff members."

For the last 18 years, Kinder has been as a resident of Minooka.

“Raising our children in the community and being a part of current community growth efforts, makes this a full-circle moment in my personal and professional journey to have the opportunity to bring my knowledge, skills, and experience home to serve in Minooka 201,” Kinder said in Tuesday's press release.

Kinder also serves on the Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board of Directors, supporting the newly forged partnership with Shorewood to build a new YMCA facility on Route 52 in Shorewood, bringing great benefit to the Minooka 201 School Community.

Kinder and her husband, Derek, who is Romeoville's high school principal, have two school-aged children and are active in local youth sports and activities.

“I have great respect for the tradition, history, and strong reputation of the school district and communities. It is an honor to be afforded the responsibility and trust to step into the role of Superintendent," Kinder remarked. "I am extremely grateful and excited to have the opportunity to serve the Minooka 201 Community to lead and support the next chapter of evolution and excellence in service to the Children, Families, and Communities of Minooka 201."

Related Patch coverage of Rachel Kinder:

Superintendent Resigns From Valley View School District

Valley View School Board Approves New District Superintendent