Mokena District 159 hires new head

Former Lincoln-Way teacher, administrator to be superintendent

A former Lincoln-Way High School teacher and administrator will take the helm at Mokena Elementary District 159.

The school board recently hired Mark Cohen as the district’s new superintendent effective July 1. He will replace Superintendent Don White, who plans to retire at the end of the school year. Cohen will be paid an annual salary of $165,000.

Cohen, who serves as the assistant superintendent for human resources with Elmhurst Unit District 205, began his career as a physics and chemistry teacher at Lincoln-Way Central High School. He has also served as assistant principal at Lincoln Way Central and as assistant principal and then principal at LincolnWay North High School.

He has been with the Elmhurst district since 2016, where he also worked as the assistant superintendent of innovations and growth.

Cohen said he is familiar with the Mokena area and is looking forward to working with the parents and staff of District 159.

“The community is 100 percent behind the school district,” he said. “The staff is dedicated and does a phenomenal job. There are great students, wonderful students here.”

Cohen said he plans to meet with the district’s stakeholders, including teachers, staff, parents and elected officials, and learn what is most important to them as the district works to set one-, three- and five-year goals.

Cohen, a Tinley Park resident who is married with two children, said he enjoys preparing children for their futures. He said today’s young students will go on to have many careers that have not been developed yet.

As superintendent, he said he wants to ensure students are

prepared for college, careers and life where technology is rapidly changing. While technology continues to be an important tool, he also wants to make sure that students also learn effective communication, speaking and listening skills, he said.

Cohen said one of the most rewarding parts of his career has been watching students as they go through their educational journey. He said he enjoys seeing students learn skills and confidence, watching them grow and go off to college and learning later how their careers have progressed and how they’ve started families of their own.

“I’m thrilled and I can’t wait to get started,” Cohen said. “I’m excited to work with the board of education who cares deeply about kids. I feel blessed by this opportunity.”

Cohen has a doctor of education degree from Loyola University in Chicago, a master of arts degree from Governors State University and a bachelor of science degree from Illinois State University.

He has served on several service and community organizations, including chambers of commerce, Lions and Kiwanis clubs. He is also an active member in many professional organizations and was named the 2004 Illinois Education Association Bob Haisman Teacher of the Year.

District 159 hired School Exec Connect to conduct its search for their next superintendent and received 44 applicants from six states.