East Aurora School Board Fires Principal Jerry Cook
The board voted unanimously to terminate the principal after reports of missed staff evaluations and procedural errors.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Administration
Live Poll
Should a candidate's past termination from a school position affect your vote in local elections?
On March 18, 2024, the East Aurora High School board voted 7-0 to terminate principal Jerry Cook. The dismissal followed findings regarding student outplacement procedures and missed staff evaluations.
Why it matters
The board’s decision underscores the administrative accountability required of district leadership, specifically regarding due process for students and the mandatory evaluation of staff.
The school board’s 7-0 vote finalized the removal of Jerry Cook from his role as principal. Records indicate the termination involved two instances of student outplacement handled without due process and five assistant principals who did not receive required evaluations.
The players
Jerry Cook
The former principal of East Aurora High School who is currently employed by Cicero District 99.
John Jonak
The incumbent Kane County regional superintendent who was appointed to the position in July 2025.
The details
The termination process began when the superintendent issued a suspension letter, leading to the board’s vote to end the employment contract. The board found that internal protocols were not followed when removing two students from their classrooms, while the principal also failed to conduct mandatory performance reviews for five assistant principals. Following his departure from East Aurora, Cook accepted a position as Special Education Program Supervisor in Cicero District 99 in July 2024.
Timeline
March 18, 2024: The school board voted 7-0 to terminate Jerry Cook.
March 19, 2024: Jerry Cook received a formal termination letter.
July 2024: Jerry Cook began working for Cicero District 99.
June 30, 2025: Pat Dal Santo retired from the regional superintendent role.
July 1, 2025: John Jonak was appointed as regional superintendent.
The Home Front
This administrative action reflects the enforcement of the Illinois School Code regarding mandatory staff evaluations and student due process. It highlights the rigorous standards school boards apply to district leadership to maintain stable school environments for families.
Parents should stay informed of board meetings where leadership changes and policy compliance are discussed, as these decisions impact school stability. Monitor district communications for updates on how new administrative appointments affect day-to-day school operations.
The takeaway
Administrative oversight is vital for ensuring that school policies regarding student rights and teacher management are consistently upheld. Families can track upcoming school board agendas to see how such leadership changes impact their local school district's strategic direction.
Further reading
Learn more about district leadership oversight in the Administration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Shaw Local.
Live Poll
Should a candidate's past termination from a school position affect your vote in local elections?
