State Superintendent Schiller Resigns

Springfield, Ill. – State Superintendent of Education Robert Schiller submitted his resignation today. On Monday (9/20) the Board accepted his request for a paid leave of absence and appointed Dr. Randy J. Dunn as Interim Superintendent.

Schiller’s resignation cited ongoing personal challenges.

“We wish Dr. Schiller all the best. He came to the agency during a challenging time and we appreciate all of his hard work,” said Board Chairman Jesse Ruiz.

Schiller was appointed State Superintendent in August 2002 with a three-year contract. That contract would have expired July 31, 2005.

During Schiller’s tenure, he worked to implement the requirements of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. Illinois’ plan received an "A-" grade for the Accountability, Assessments and Standards in Education Week's Quality Counts annual report. Illinois increased from a B- in 2002 to A- in (2003).

For five consecutive years the Math scores at all grade levels increased. Illinois tests 100% of high school juniors through the ACT tests. Scores have increased each year (20.3 composite in 2004)); 73,000 AP exams taken with average score 3.29 (above national average is 2.95).