The Mokena School District 159 Board of Education has chosen Mr. Robert “Bob” Gurney as the district’s next superintendent. Mr. Gurney will officially begin his duties on July 1, 2025.
Mr. Gurney has been in the education field for the past 25 years, most recently serving as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources in Wheeling School District 21. He has also been a classroom teacher, instructional coach, dean, and middle school principal. While principal, his schools were designated as Illinois Horizon Schools to Watch. Mr. Gurney is also an Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators Board Member and member of the Buffalo Grove Rotary.
Bob expressed enthusiasm about joining the Mokena School District 159 community. “I am very excited to join the district as the new Superintendent of Mokena School District 159. Prior to and then during the interview process I consistently heard about the dedicated and passionate team of educators in the district and the supportive community that embraces the work of the school district every day. I am really looking forward to working closely with the entire community to engage, inspire, and equip our students with tools for life-long academic, social, and emotional success.”
His selection is the culmination of a several months long search process conducted by an executive search firm hired by the Board of Education. The executive search firm conducted stakeholder surveys and focus groups to gather input towards a leadership profile that guided the selection process for the next superintendent. In addition, several rounds of interviews were conducted with the Board of Education and various stakeholder groups including staff, parents, and community members.
Board of Education President, Eric Bush, shared, “I am excited Mokena 159 was able to find such a talented and experienced school district administrator to serve as the next Superintendent. Bob is already working with the district’s Interim Superintendent to ensure a smooth transition. Bob is committed to meeting as many staff and members of the community he can prior to his official start date on July 1, 2025. Mokena 159 has experienced many successes over the past several years, and we look forward to more future successes under Bob’s guidance and leadership.”
The Mokena School District 159 Board of Education invites the community to join them in extending a warm welcome to Mr. Bob Gurney as the new Superintendent. An open house with Mr. Gurney will take place before the February 19th Board of Education meeting with more details to come as the date approaches.