Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker appointed Dr. Steven Isoye, a former educator and superintendent, to chair the Illinois State Board of Education, effective immediately.
Isoye follows in the footsteps of Darren Reisberg, a member of the LGBTQ+ community who served as chair through the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reisberg is now president of Hartwick College, located in Oneonta, New York.
Isoye is a retired educator and administrator who holds degrees in biology, educational administration, and educational leadership from Northern Illinois University and a degree in curriculum from Concordia University. with his most recent experience coming as Superintendent of Niles Township High School District 219.
Prior to that, he was superintendent of Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200, principal at Maine East High School and Warren Township High School, and department chair at Highland Park High School, where he taught for three years. He also taught chemistry, biology and physical science for 12 years at Deerfield High School, Warren Township High School, The Latin School of Chicago and Loyola Academy.
He has also received numerous honors including Illinois High School Principal of the Year in 2010, Illinois Teacher of the Year in 1998, Jackson Scholar in 2006, Milken Foundation National Educator award in 1997, and Illinois Science Teachers' Association Award of Excellence in Secondary Science Teaching in both 1993 and 1995.
This appointment awaits Illinois Senate confirmation.