Administration
Greetings, Minooka 201 Community!
With gratitude and excitement, I write to you today as your newly appointed Superintendent of Schools. It is an honor to have the opportunity to bring my heart, knowledge, skills, and experience home to serve in Minooka 201 and be a partner to improve together, every day, for every child.
I approach each relationship as I did when I was a classroom teacher- First the Heart, then the Mind; when children feel safe and connected, great learning and growth can occur. I have learned in many years of leadership, the same holds true for adults.
My aspiration is that every member of our learning community feels valued and has a strong sense of belonging. I am committed to investing in relationships and truly understanding the voice and experience of each of our stakeholder groups. Together we will ensure that our school culture and systems empower our kids and adults to accomplish meaningful growth, with strong and responsible resource utilization, even when challenges come our way.
Born and raised in the area, living in Minooka for the last 18 years, raising my own children in the community, and serving children, staff, and families for the last two decades, I lead with my heart and a deep investment in the responsibility in which I have been entrusted. On the professional side, my career as an educator and leader in PK-12 schools over the last two decades, from substitute teacher to superintendent, has afforded me the opportunity to build knowledge and skills that I will connect and apply in new ways that fit the unique strengths and needs of each of our schools and our larger community.
Over the past month, I have had the opportunity to spend considerable time in the District to begin the process of learning and connecting. Throughout the month of July, I will continue this effort and refine the plan for formal and informal communication and engagement in our schools and communities this school year. I am committed to initiating and building solid relationships and a strong foundation for stakeholder trust and confidence. I look forward to upcoming opportunities to meet with Staff, Students, Families, Community Members, and other key stakeholders.
I will continue to work closely with our team to develop a deep understanding of the culture, traditions, operations, strengths, and opportunities that exist in the District, in each school, and in our communities. We will use this foundation to strategically build upon strengths and opportunities to ensure continued growth for every learner, every staff member, and our entire School Community.
I am extremely excited to lead and support our next chapter, and I am confident that, as a community, we will grow and achieve remarkable things for the Children, Families, and Communities of Minooka 201 To Inspire Learners to be Responsible, Confident, and Successful!
In partnership,
Rachel Kinder, Ed.S.
Superintendent of Schools
Rachel Kinder
Superintendent
email: rkinder@min201.org
Lori Shanholtzer
Administrative Assistant
email: lshanholtzer@min201.org
305 W. Church Street, Minooka, IL 60447
Phone: 815-467-6121 Ext. #1
Fax: 815-467-9544
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.