Dear SD113A Community,

It’s hard to believe we are at the end of the 2024-25 school year! It’s been a great year with many accomplishments as a district. Please see yesterday’s district newsletter for a list of these achievements, Board updates, and upcoming dates for the 2025-26 year.

We are writing today to share some exciting news about the future of our leadership team in SD113A that we shared with our OQMS staff today, and as a result, we wanted to share with you as well. Beginning July 1, 2026, Dr. Joe Sweeney, current Principal of Old Quarry Middle School, will transition into the role of Assistant Superintendent of Operations for our district.

This transition comes as Pat Crean, Director of Operations, and Barb Germany, Chief School Business Official, prepare to retire at the conclusion of the 2025–2026 school year. Dr. Sweeney will step into this new leadership position at the end of next school year, where he will oversee transportation, facilities, technology, and safety/emergency preparedness across all of SD113A. Announcing this transition now will allow the opportunity for Dr. Sweeney to learn more about district operations this summer.

Dr. Sweeney has served as Principal of OQMS for the past six years, where he has led with vision, integrity, energy and a deep dedication to student growth. Under his leadership, OQMS has strengthened its academic programming, built strong student supports, and deepened the school’s connection to families and the broader community. His leadership has left a lasting mark—and while we know many students, staff, and families will be sad to see him transition out of the principal role, we are grateful that he’s expanding his impact within our district. 

Dr. Sweeney is a dedicated leader who has earned the trust of staff, families, and students. His deep understanding of school operations and his student-centered mindset make him the perfect person to carry our district forward in this role. He will continue as Principal of OQMS throughout the 2025–2026 school year, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience for students and families and will also play an active role in the selection of OQMS’s next principal, helping to ensure that the transition is handled with care, collaboration, and consistency.

“I’ve loved every minute of my time as Principal of Old Quarry, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” said Dr. Sweeney. “At the same time, I’m energized by this new opportunity to serve our entire district and help strengthen the systems that support our schools every day. I’m not going far—my office will even be in the same building as OQMS - and I’m as committed as ever to the success of our students and staff. It’s always going to be a great day to be a Warrior!”

We know change can be difficult, especially when it involves a leader who is so deeply connected to a school community, but we hope you’ll join us in celebrating Dr. Sweeney as he takes on this exciting next step in his career. His dedication to SD113A remains as strong as ever, and we’re lucky to have him continuing to serve our schools in this new capacity starting July 1, 2026.

Wishing you all a great summer, and we look forward to seeing you in August!

Sincerely,

Dr. Courtney Orzel, Superintendent of Schools