Wethersfield School Supt. Dr. Andrew Brooks will leave the district at the end of the school year, the school board announced Tuesday.
After a lengthy discussion at their meeting last Thursday, the board approved Dr. Brooks’s resignation.
Dr. Brooks has accepted the position of superintendent of schools for Knoxville Community Unit School District 202, effective July 1, 2026. On Monday, the Knoxville board approved the contract.
Dr. Brooks has served as superintendent of Wethersfield since 2022, “guiding the district through a period of academic progress, facility modernization, and renewed focus on school culture and community,” according to a news release from the school district.
Under his leadership, Wethersfield High School earned Exemplary designations from the Illinois State Board of Education, fine arts programs were expanded across all grade levels, and technology upgrades were implemented to better support both teaching and learning.
The district also completed a series of major facility improvements — including HVAC modernization, districtwide flooring renovations and infrastructure upgrades — and most recently purchased a building now being renovated into new district offices.
“Each of these initiatives was undertaken with one goal in mind: to strengthen the learning environment and enrich the educational experience for every Wethersfield student,” the news release said.
“Dr. Brooks has been a steady and visionary leader for Wethersfield,” said Board President Steve Newman. “He has guided our district with professionalism, compassion, and a clear commitment to what’s best for kids. The board thanks him for his years of service and leadership, and we wish him continued success as he takes on this next chapter in Knoxville.”
Reflecting on his time at Wethersfield, Dr. Brooks said, “Serving the students, staff, and families of Wethersfield has been an honor. This district is filled with very dedicated people — teachers, support staff, administrators, and parents — who care deeply about kids and about one another and operates under the belief of ‘One Block, One Flock.’
“I could not be more proud of the work that this team has done in Wethersfield, and how it will serve generations of Wethersfield students to come.”
Dr. Brooks added, “From Friday night games and massive Christmas events to the Frank Craig Reunion in August and the countless ways our families support our schools, it has truly been a privilege to serve and lead in such a caring and connected community. I will always be grateful for the relationships, trust, and shared purpose we’ve built together over these past several years.”
Dr. Brooks began his educational career nearly three decades ago in Knoxville, teaching high school science — a full-circle connection that makes his return to District 202 particularly meaningful to him.
“I am both humbled and excited to return to the district where my teaching career first began,” Dr. Brooks said. “During my first-year teaching in Knoxville, my principal, Ron McGraw, encouraged me to pursue my advanced degree and principal certification because he saw leadership potential in me. Looking back now, I’m incredibly grateful for that guidance — it set the course for everything that followed.
“I’m eager to partner with the board, staff and community to continue building on Knoxville’s strong traditions of academic excellence, student achievement, and community pride.”
Originally from central Illinois, Dr. Brooks and his wife, Carrie, have been active in their local schools, church, and community. They have raised four children with a strong emphasis on faith, education, and service. Three of their children are now public-school teachers themselves.
Dr. Brooks will continue serving Wethersfield through the 2025–2026 school year, ensuring a smooth transition for students, staff, and the district before officially beginning his new role in Knoxville.
The Wethersfield Board of Education will begin the process of selecting the district’s next superintendent.
“The board is committed to ensuring a smooth leadership transition and will work diligently to identify a successor who shares Wethersfield’s values, vision, and dedication to excellence in education,” the news release concluded.
