SR0822 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0822 LRB104 22072 RMO 38210 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to congratulate Superintendent Craig Benes on the occasion of his retirement from Itasca School District 10; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Benes earned a Master of Science in Applied Family and Child Studies/Family Therapy from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Science in Special Education from Northeastern University Chicago, a post-graduate Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.) in Administration and Supervision through the New Leaders program, and a superintendent endorsement from Concordia University; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Benes served as a special education teacher, curriculum writer, and assistant principal before becoming principal of Talcott Fine Arts and Museum Academy, where he guided the school through six consecutive years of improvement in student attendance and Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) composite scores while fostering a culture of professional development for staff; he continued to serve Chicago Public Schools as a chief area officer (CAO), supervising a portfolio of more than 30 schools that demonstrated academic growth every year and devoting time to the district's Senior Leadership Cabinet; and

WHEREAS, Since 2015, Mr. Benes has served as superintendent of Itasca School District 10, leading with innovation and dedication to student success; he spearheaded the comprehensive update of all core curriculums, ensuring alignment with research-based practices and academic standards; he championed the expansion to full-day kindergarten and made significant capital investments across the district, including the building addition at Raymond Benson Primary School, upgrades to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems at F.E. Peacock Junior High School, and revitalization of the libraries at Elmer H. Franzen Intermediate School and Raymond Benson Primary School; he has successfully led the district through challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, Beyond the classroom, Mr. Benes has continually supported robust programs in fine arts, world languages, and athletics, affirming the district's dedication to developing the whole child; students have also benefited from a wealth of field-learning opportunities during his tenure, expanding their education far beyond school walls; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Benes has guided Itasca School District 10 through years of balanced budgets and responsible labor contracts, maintaining financial stability while meeting the evolving needs of staff and students; his leadership has been marked by strong partnerships with all local taxing bodies, fostering collaboration that has strengthened not only the schools but the entire community; and

WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Mr. Benes, Itasca School District 10 has achieved the rare feat of earning three "exemplary" designations from the Illinois State Board of Education; he received the Guiding Light Award for his visionary leadership and tireless advocacy for educational excellence in 2025; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Benes is proud to be part of a family of educators; his wife is a kindergarten teacher, his son is a high school physical education teacher, and his other children are studying to become a teacher and a nurse; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Superintendent Craig Benes on his retirement from Itasca School District 10, and we thank him for his commitment to education and to the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Benes as an expression of our esteem and respect.