Lisle School Official Leaving This Summer

LISLE, IL – A top official in Hinsdale High School District 86 plans to leave after two years on the job, moving to Lisle School District 202.

At a meeting Monday, the Lisle school board approved Jason Markey's appointment. He is succeeding Linda Kotalik, who is retiring after 20 years with a salary of $212,000.

Markey, District 86's assistant superintendent for academics, is becoming the assistant superintendent for Lisle schools in July.

Markey joined District 86 in July 2023 as assistant superintendent.

In his first few weeks, Markey served as acting superintendent after the district's ouster of Superintendent Tammy Prentiss. He was a fill-in as the district awaited the appointment of two interim superintendents.

In District 86, Markey has worked under a two-year contract for $200,000 a year. With his Lisle job, his salary is set at $204,000, a 2 percent hike from District 86.

Given District 86's history of administrator pay, Markey likely would have seen a similar increase had he stayed.

The Lisle district's enrollment is less than half District 86's.

Last year, Eric Martzolf, a Hinsdale South assistant principal, was appointed principal of Lisle High School.

Martzolf was part of a group of administrators who left the district last year. The exodus got to the point where administrators acknowledged it was a problem.

Markey has 24 years of experience in education, working in places such as East Leyden, Woodstock and Glenbrook North.

"I hold great respect for the exceptional reputation of Lisle School District, which has long been recognized for its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, comprehensive student programming, and strong community partnerships," Markey said in a Lisle news release. "I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to a district that embodies the values of excellence and collaboration."

In a statement to Patch, Markey said, "I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as the Assistant Superintendent for Academics in District 86. Working alongside talented students, dedicated staff, and supportive families has been an honor. While I look forward to the next chapter in my career at Lisle School District, my focus remains on supporting a smooth transition and finishing my tenure here with the same commitment to excellence that defines this community."