VVSD Welcomes New Superintendent Dr. Teresa Polson
![Dr. Teresa Polson]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1783002579/vvsdorg/vxfykgacbiuly630x59m/DrPolson811x800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1783002579/vvsdorg/vxfykgacbiuly630x59m/DrPolson811x800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1783002579/vvsdorg/vxfykgacbiuly630x59m/DrPolson811x800.jpg","width":800}])
James Blaney
VVSD Welcomes New Superintendent Dr. Teresa Polson
Dr. Polson Succeeds the Now Retired Dr. Keith Wood
As of July 1, 2026, Valley View Community Unit School District 365U is under the leadership of Dr. Teresa Polson who has assumed the role of Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Polson succeeds previous Superintendent Dr. Keith Wood who retired on June 30, 2026. Prior to ascending to her current position as Superintendent, Dr. Polson was VVSD’s Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Pre-Kindergarten-12th Grade, a role she held since May 2024.
“The VVSD Board is looking forward to working with Dr. Polson to continue the upward trajectory of the District,” said VVSD Board of Education President Steve Quigley. “Dr. Polson is an experienced and outstanding educational leader who is also a respected member of our community.”
Dr. Polson earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University in 2002 and added a Bachelor of Arts degree from Governors State University in 2005. Dr. Polson earned her first postgraduate degree in 2008, a Masters’ Degree in Education Administration from Northern Illinois University. In 2018, Dr. Polson earned an Ed.S. degree in Education Leadership from NIU, and then in 2021, she was conferred a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from NIU.
Dr. Polson’s education career began in 2005 as a Science Teacher at VVSD’s A.Vito Martinez Middle School. Three years later, Dr. Polson joined VVSD District Administration as Coordinator of Special Education Programs. Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, Dr. Polson began a nine-year stay at VVSD’s Jane Addams Middle School, serving first as Assistant Principal, followed by six years as Principal. During her time as Jane Addams Principal, Dr. Polson led the Jane Addams school community to the Illinois State Board of Education’s Exemplary Designation in 2018, which Jane Addams MS has maintained in the following years. In 2022, Dr. Polson left VVSD to become Asst. Superintendent in Addison School District 4 and then returned to VVSD in May 2024 as Asst. Superintendent for Educational Services Pre-Kindergarten-12th Grade.
Dr. Keith Wood’s retirement brings to a close an over 30-year career as a distinguished educator. Dr. Wood joined the VVSD staff in 2011 when he was hired as Principal for Brooks Middle School and served in that position for 13 years. In 2022, the Illinois State Board of Education selected Dr. Wood as Middle School Principal of the Year. Dr. Wood was approved as VVSD Superintendent on March 16, 2024.
“We thank Dr. Wood for his passionate commitment to the VVSD community,” Quigley said. “Dr. Wood was just a few months away from retirement in 2024 when the Board asked him to postpone his plans and become VVSD superintendent. Keith stepped up and steered the District with a steady hand while helping move the District forward. We thank him for his dedication to VVSD and the communities we represent. He will be missed, and we wish him a long and happy retirement.”