IDHS names interim superintendent for Illinois School for the Deaf

Chicago, IL – The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has named Serena Preston the interim superintendent for the Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD). Preston is currently the superintendent of the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI) and will assume responsibility of both schools while IDHS continues its search to find a permanent replacement.
 
Preston has worked in several capacities at ISVI since 1997 and has served as superintendent since 2012. Her 18 years of experience working with students at a specialized school make her the ideal choice to bridge the leadership gap.

“I am completely supportive of Serena. She has demonstrated her competence to serve in a leadership role during her time as superintendent at ISVI, and I am confident she can provide the support and leadership while IDHS searches for a new superintendent of ISD,” IDHS Secretary-designate, James T. Dimas said.

Illinois Secretary of Education, Beth Purvis, concurs with Secretary Dimas’ assessment of Preston.

“During the time that I’ve spent with Serena Preston, she has shown to be highly capable and the clear choice for ISD during this transition period,” Purvis said.

Preston succeeds former ISD superintendent, Dr. Janice Smith-Warshaw, who resigned from her position at the end of June. ISD and ISVI are specialized residential schools under the Division of Rehabilitative Services in IDHS.