Pennoyer names new superintendent

Kristin Kopta was introduced Wednesday as the new superintendent for Pennoyer School District 79.

Kopta, an Arlington Heights resident, will start on July 1. She will replace Brad Voehringer, who starts July 1 as the superintendent at Morton Grove School District 70. Pennoyer officials would not reveal Kopta's salary.

Kopta currently is the principal at Washington Elementary School, which is part of Schiller Park District 81.

"I'm very excited to be part of the Pennoyer community," said Kopta, who said she wants to focus on "moving forward children and families into educational excellence."

Kopta holds master's degrees in education from the University of Illinois at Chicago and University of Illinois at Champaign, as well as a bachelor's degree of education from Illinois State University, according to a news release issued by the district. Kopta grew up in Lemont and serves in the Air National Guard in downstate Peoria, the release stated, adding that she has a doctoral degree from National Louis University in school leadership and administration.

Michael Malusa, the president of Pennoyer's school board, said Kopta "submitted a game plan for Pennoyer, and it was detailed."

"She has a plan for transition," Malusa said. "She's very child-oriented. She's very organized, and you could tell she wanted to be here."

Kimberly Boryszewski, the superintendent at District 81, attended the meeting and said she was "very proud" to see Kopta named the superintendent at Pennoyer.

"She will be outstanding," Boryszewski said.

Karie Angell Luc is a freelance photographer and reporter for Pioneer Press.