D181 Superintendent Renee Schuster to step down in June

HINSDALE – Receiving nothing but praise and kind words from the District 181 Board of Education members, Superintendent Renee Schuster was released from her contract at Monday's Committee of the Whole meeting per her request.

"It was a very hard decision, but family is always first," said Schuster, who has served as superintendent since 2010. "This is a great community and we've got great students, great teachers and great leaders."

School Board President Marty Turek said the board agreed to release Schuster from her contract at her request as she plans to return to St. Louis at the end of the school year to be closer to her parents.

Turek said Schuster will be fully committed to the district through June.

"All in all, District 181 is a better place because of the leadership of Dr. Schuster," Turek said.

School board member Gary Clarin said while he's only been on the board for 10 months, he "really appreciated" everything Schuster did for the district.

"I just wish you the best and I hope everything goes well for your family in the future," Clarin said.

Vice President Jill Vorobiev, who came on the board at the same time as Clarin, agreed and thanked Schuster for her efforts and for putting together the team she did to help "further the goals of the district."

The rest of the board shared similar sentiment toward Schuster.

"I know this is a difficult decision and I wish you and your parents the best in the future," board member Brendan Heneghan said.

Schuster said it has been a pleasure working with the community, administration and the board of education.

"I will always be with you in spirit," she said.