Minooka Community High School District 111 Names New Superintendent

At a special meeting Thursday night, Minooka Community High School board of education members announced the hiring of James A. Colyott as the new district superintendent.

Colyott will begin with the district on July 1. He succeeds David Middleton who will begin his retirement on June 30, after seven years with District 111.

“Mr. Colyott brings to MCHS an outstanding background as a teacher, high school principal, and superintendent,” Larry Larson, board president said.  “His accomplishments at Princeville include an impressive improvement of student performance.  Princeville has received both state and national recognition in this area.”

Colyott comes to the district after spending the past six years with Princeville Community Unit School District, in Princeville, Il.  As principal of Princeville High School, from July 2005 through June 2008, Colyott led the school to state and national recognition.  In 2008, PHS ranked 42 out of 669 Illinois public high schools for overall percentage of students who met or exceeded state learning standards on the Prairie State Achievement Exam (PSAE).   The school was also recognized as the State’s number one academic performing high school with enrollment under 520 students, and ranked number one with 15 percent or more low-income students.

Nationally, PHS was also recognized in 2009 as one of “America’s Best High Schools” by U.S. News and World Report.

When he assumed his role as Princeville superintendent in July 2008, Colyott’s focus widened to both Princeville High School and Princeville Grade School, as well as the district’s relationship with the Princeville community.  During his time as superintendent, Colyott guided that district toward a “Winning Community” campaign, which included the continuation of the district-wide strategic plan, creation of a community vision plan and a village-wide action plan targeted toward community improvement.

“We look forward to Mr. Colyott's leadership in continuing the work that we have started with our district’s strategic plan,” Larson continued.  “Focusing on the goals and objectives of the plan will be a major focus for Mr. Colyott, in addition to continuing to provide quality programs and services, yet being mindful of the costs to our taxpayers.”

Colyott is looking forward to beginning.

“I am excited about bringing my wife and three children to the Minooka/Channahon community, and working with people so dedicated toward providing a high quality education for students.” Colyott offered.

In addition to his time in Princeville, Colyott also has spent time in the classroom as a teacher at Rock Falls Township High School and Rochester Community Unit School District. He also served as an assistant principal at Rochester Community Unit School District.