Kathryn E. Jennings Sworn in as Regional Superintendent of Schools for Henderson, Knox, Mercer, and
On July 1, 2025, Kathryn E. Jennings was officially sworn in as the Regional Superintendent of Schools for the Regional Office of Education #33, serving Henderson, Knox, Mercer, and Warren Counties.
The ceremony took place at the Knox County Courthouse in Galesburg, surrounded by her family, and close friends, including outgoing Regional Superintendent Jodi L. Scott, Assistant Regional Superintendent Lori Loving, and incoming Assistant Regional Superintendent Emily Adolphson.
Katie succeeds Jodi Scott, who retires after more than three decades of dedicated service and leadership in education. Emily Adolphson will also begin her role as Assistant Regional Superintendent alongside Jennings as Lori Loving retires.
In her remarks, Jennings reaffirmed her dedication to advancing the mission and vision of ROE #33 while sharing her ideas for the future. Three key priorities will guide her leadership:
- Communication that Connects – Strong families and successful teams are built on trust and transparency. We will strengthen both internal and external communication, ensuring that every voice is heard and that collaboration flows freely across all areas of our work.
- Focusing Our Priorities – In partnership with our ROE #33 team, schools, and community partners, we will develop a new strategic plan that focuses our energy, aligns our resources, and ensures we are meeting the evolving needs of those we serve.
- Continuing Our Mission, Strengthening Our Foundation – We are proud to carry forward the mission and legacy of ROE #33, grounded in our core values:
- Customer Service that is responsive and supportive,
- Collaboration that empowers, unites, and
- Community involvement that reflects our deep connection to the people and places we serve.
Katie has served in numerous roles across ROE #33’s four-county region and Central Illinois, including ROWVA, Abingdon-Avon, Monmouth-Roseville, and Dunlap, and led initiatives in curriculum and instruction, career and technical education, and student support services. Since 2021, she has served as Director of ROE Services at Regional Office of Education #33.
Katie and her husband, Greg Jennings, Detective Sergeant with the Knox County Sheriff's Office, live in Abingdon with their three children: Collin (15), Connor (13), and Camdyn (11). Together, they enjoy family time, youth sports, amusement parks, and caring for their dog, Knox. Katie is active in her church, Grace Lutheran in Knoxville, serves on the Knox County CEO Board and Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce Board, and is a proud supporter of youth and community programs throughout the region.
Jennings shared with her team, “As we move forward together, I want you to know how honored I am to walk alongside each of you. We are more than an organization—we are a family. And together, we will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, families, and educators across our region.”
Emily Adolphson, a lifelong resident of Monmouth, brings 24 years of experience in education to her role as Assistant Regional Superintendent. A proud graduate of Monmouth High School and Monmouth College, she also holds multiple master’s degrees from Western Illinois University, including School Counseling and Educational Leadership. Emily began her career in 2001 as a K–12 Art Teacher in the Warren School District, where she played a role in the district’s consolidation into the United School District. In 2008, she joined the Monmouth-Roseville School District, where she served in a variety of roles for over 16 years. Her experience includes ten years as a high school counselor, three years as Assistant Principal at Central Intermediate School, and most recently, three years at the district level as Assistant Principal of Student Achievement and Support Services. Emily and her husband, Jeremy - a math teacher, athletic director, and varsity football coach at Monmouth-Roseville - are proud parents of four daughters: Leighton Neal (27) of Iowa City, Iowa, who is married to Colton; Sullivan (23); Emrick (18), a recent United graduate attending Aveda Institute this fall; and Moxie (6), who will be starting first grade. Both Leighton and Sullivan have followed in their mother’s footsteps, becoming educators themselves. Emily is deeply committed to supporting students, staff, and families across the region. Her diverse background in both classroom instruction and educational leadership brings valuable insight to her new position. As Regional Superintendent, Kathryn Jennings looks forward to building on the strong foundation of ROE #33, working with educators, families, and communities to support every learner, every school, and every future.
