The Sycamore Board of Education and Superintendent Steve Wilder are parting ways.
The agreement was announced Friday night during a special board meeting, which was posted only about a day in advance.
Sycamore School Board president Michael DeVito says they wanted to tell the community as quickly as possible.
“But I will tell you this," he said, "it's never ideal to call a meeting within 48 hours. Having that short of a timeframe, while it is legally allowable, is difficult."
DeVito says waiting until the next regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 26 to make the announcement would have been worse.
“I can say, in this particular case," said the board president, "coming to a mutual agreement and doing it over the summer, even a few weeks before school, I think, helps to minimize disruption, as opposed to doing something mid-year."
DeVito says he can’t say exactly why Wilder and the district are parting ways, only that it was a “mutual agreement.”
The now-former superintendent Steve Wilder is under contract through next spring and will still get paid, but no longer works for Sycamore. Under the agreement, he is allowed to work outside of the district in the meantime.
Wilder had been in the role since 2020. In a statement to WNIJ, Wilder said, "As a result of the mutual agreement the Board approved on Friday evening, I am still employed by the district, but I am not working for the district. I can't speak to the planning for the transition, only that it took effect with the Board's action on Friday evening and any further transition plans were part of the Board's statement during the meeting."
"Sycamore 427 has great staff and leadership," continued Wilder, "and I am confident that they will successfully navigate the beginning of the school year. I've enjoyed serving in Sycamore and I wish the district and the community the best."
According to a statement released by the Board, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Educational Programs Nick Reineck will serve as Acting Superintendent.
The Board of Education will work with the Illinois Association of School Boards to facilitate the interview and hiring process for the next superintendent.
Video of the special board meeting can be viewed here.
Here is the board's press release:
August 1, 2025
The Board of Education and Mr. Wilder have reached a mutual agreement regarding a leadership transition, and consequently, Mr. Wilder will conclude his service as Superintendent, effective at the close of business on March 31, 2026. The Board thanks Mr. Wilder for exemplary service to the District and wishes him well in his future endeavors.
The Board emphasizes a collaborative and transparent approach – one that truly values the perspectives of our dedicated teachers, administrators, building leadership, the superintendent, and the entire District 427 community. With this in mind, the Board is pleased to outline the following interim arrangements:
Consistent with the District’s succession plan, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Educational Programs Nick Reineck will serve as the Acting Superintendent.
The Board of Education will collaborate closely with the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) to facilitate the interview and hiring process for the next superintendent, incorporating input from students, teachers, administration, and the 427 community.
As we navigate this period of transition, we respectfully request the patience and understanding of our administration, staff, educators, students, and the broader 427 community. We are steadfast in our commitment to address any concerns and ensure a seamless changeover.
-Board of Education Sycamore Community School District 427