MT. VERNON, IL — John Consolino, a lifelong resident of Marion County and current Assistant Superintendent for Regional Office of Education #13 Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington Counties, today announced his candidacy for Regional Superintendent of Schools. Consolino will be on the ballot for the March 17, 2026, election.

The announcement follows the news that current Superintendent Matt Renaud will be retiring on June 30, 2026. Consolino has served alongside Superintendent Renaud as Assistant Superintendent for ROE #13.

“With Matt’s retirement, I am ready to step up and continue serving the students, families, schools and communities in our four counties,” Consolino said. “For 26 years, I have been dedicated to serving our students and communities. As a Paraprofessional, Special Education Teacher, Principal, Superintendent, and the current Assistant Regional Superintendent, I’ve seen firsthand what our children need to succeed and am prepared to help support our schools to continue to educate our children.”

Consolino’s platform focuses on five key areas:

* Student Safety: Creating safe and disciplined learning environments.

* Academic Focus: Advocating for a focus on the fundamentals of reading, writing and arithmetic and ensuring students have opportunities to take courses that prepare them for post-secondary success .

* Parental Rights: Emphasizing the importance of parents having the final say in their children’s education.

* Curriculum Integrity: Ensuring curriculum is free from social and political agendas.

* Local Control: Empowering local school boards to make decisions that are best for their communities, without state or federal interference.

Consolino began his career as a volunteer Paraprofessional at Salem Elementary and has since served in various roles, including Special Education Teacher at Selmaville Grade School, and Principal and Superintendent at Iuka Grade School. He lives in Salem with his wife of 28 years, Kristi, an Elementary Principal. His son Drew is currently a Freshman at Salem Community High School, son Carter is a Paraprofessional at Salem Elementary, and son Zachary is a Teacher at the Alternative Learning Center in Mt. Vernon. John’s diverse background and lifelong love of learning has given him a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing local school districts.

Voters in Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington Counties can find John Consolino on the ballot for the March 17, 2026, General Primary Election.