Frank Petkunas was sworn in as I-KAN Regional Office of Education #32 Regional Superintendent of Schools Aug. 1, 2022. Patricia High was appointed Assistant Regional Superintendent of Schools.
The change in leadership was made after Regional Superintendent Dr. Gregg Murphy announced his retirement. Both the Kankakee County Board and Iroquois County Board approved the appointment of Petkunas during their July, 2022 board meetings.
Petkunas has been in education for more than 20 years and has served as Assistant Regional Superintendent of Schools for the last 10 years. In this role, he has provided leadership to the region’s school district administrators and teachers.
Petkunas holds a Bachelor’s in business administration, a Bachelor’s in Biology/Secondary Science Education and a Master’s in Education School Improvement Leadership. He also holds an Illinois Professional Educator License with endorsements in General Administration, 6-12 Secondary Education Science, Teacher and Principal Evaluator Qualifications.
High previously served as I-KAN Regional Office of Education’s Professional Development Administrator. She began her career as a middle and high school special educator for 14 years and has been with I-KAN in an administrative role for the past five years.
She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Education, majoring in special education with an endorsement in early childhood special education, Master’s of Arts in Leadership with an endorsement in General Administration and is currently enrolled in a superintendent program to obtain her Ed.D in School Leadership.