Illinois Superintendent of Education Carmen Ayala to retire

Illinois State Superintendent of Schooling Carmen Ayala is retiring on the finish of January after almost 4 years on the helm of state coverage on public colleges.

Ayala, the primary girl and first individual of colour to carry the place full time, led Illinois colleges by the COVID-19 pandemic, issuing tips for districts studying tips on how to function distant schooling and the secure return of scholars to school rooms.

“For the final nearly 40 years I’ve been so blessed to serve the scholars in Illinois,” Ayala mentioned at an Illinois State Board of Schooling assembly this week. “If anybody is aware of me, they know that fairness is my ardour. I’ve been known as an fairness warrior.

“However now it’s time to get pleasure from and spend time with household and associates,” she mentioned, saying her retirement.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who appointed Ayala to the state’s prime schooling publish in 2019, mentioned Friday she “represents the very best degree of dedication to public service, and over her lengthy profession she has positively impacted hundreds of Illinois college students.

“Not solely did Dr. Ayala’s steadfast management information our colleges by an unprecedented pandemic, however she additionally kick-started college students’ tutorial restoration,” he mentioned, touting good points together with the state’s highschool commencement price since 2011 and better trainer retention and educator range.

Ayala served because the Berwyn colleges superintendent earlier than main ISBE. She beforehand labored as an assistant superintendent in Plainfield and Aurora, and began her profession as a classroom trainer in Aurora and Chicago Public Colleges.

Ayala will retire when her contract expires Jan. 31.