The superintendent of Knoxville Community Unit School District 202 is resigning after two years to take a new position, citing limited board collaboration, inconsistent educational priorities, and unsustainable administrative demands as key reasons for her departure.
Dr. Andrea Guerrero became the first female and Mexican-American superintendent at Knoxville when she began her tenure July 1, 2023. She will return to Springfield as an administrator for Springfield Public Schools District 186 starting later this summer.
In a statement to WGIL, Guerrero outlined five factors driving her decision to leave Knoxville:
- She noted a lack of collaborative partnership with the board of education, stating that despite some positive moments, “the board showed limited interest” in fostering the teamwork essential for effective district leadership.
- She also criticized the inconsistent prioritization of teaching and learning excellence, which she said hindered the district’s 3-5 year transformation plan.
- Guerrero pointed to a perception among some that “teaching is a hobby rather than a profession,” undermining staff recruitment, retention, and evidence-based practices.”
- She further highlighted fiscal denial among community members, staff, and some board members, “creating unrealistic expectations for educational outcomes without adequate resources.”
- Finally, she described the superintendent role’s extensive responsibilities as “unsustainable without proper administrative support.”
Social media frustrations
Guerrero also expressed frustration with social media misinformation from “a vocal minority,” which she said diverted time and energy from educational priorities.
“These dynamics have affected my work by requiring substantial time and energy to address misinformation, respond to unfounded concerns, and redirect focus back to student outcomes,” Guerrero said.
“The constant need to manage public perception, rather than concentrate on educational improvement, has hindered our ability to maintain consistent momentum on critical initiatives.”
She urged the board to adopt clear communication protocols, emphasizing that members should contact the superintendent before responding to public concerns and prioritize professional development.
“Due to legal constraints, the district cannot always share detailed information publicly, making it essential for board members to gather facts rather than opinions before engaging in public discourse,” Guerrero said. “Board members need to understand and follow established rules and chain of command protocols consistently.”
She commended board member Duane Ratterman for his commitment to training but stressed the need for consistent adherence to protocols across the board, stating, “Both new and tenured board members must prioritize attending professional development opportunities to understand their roles, responsibilities, and proper protocols.”
Board responds to resignation
Vicki Rose, president of the Knoxville District 202 Board of Education, issued an email statement to WGIL, stating, “The district is saddened by the resignation of Dr. Guerrero, but is ready to pursue the search for a new district leader and is confident we will find someone who will be a great fit for the district.”
The board has not yet detailed plans for an interim or permanent replacement.
Guerrero, a 1992 Galesburg High School graduate, noted that her new role in Springfield aligns with her values of collaborative leadership and student-focused improvement, offering better administrative support and realistic timelines.
Achievements in Knoxville
During her two years in Knoxville, Guerrero said she achieved significant milestones, particularly in financial stability, educational vision, and infrastructure planning.
“In my first year, I successfully brought the district back into full compliance with both financial and state regulations—a critical achievement requiring countless hours of dedicated work and systematic review,” she said.
She secured over $800,000 in grants, including funds for kitchen equipment and student programs, and launched a fiscal responsibility webpage for transparent financial access. Her Portrait of the Graduate initiative, which Guerrero said was among the “most rewarding aspects” of her tenure, set a clear vision for student success, with systems to ensure its longevity. She also developed a long-term facilities plan, establishing maintenance protocols to improve learning environments.
“These initiatives require specialized expertise,” Guerrero noted, warning they may not continue without dedicated leadership.
“It is with genuine sadness that I recognize the risk of positive cultural changes and fiscal responsibility initiatives potentially falling by the wayside after my departure.”
