A new superintendent will be overseeing the Dupo School District this coming school year as a resident of many years gives back to the community in which she’s raised her children.

Victoria White has lived in Dupo for nearly 25 years now. With both of her kids having attended school from pre-K through high school in the district, she was plenty comfortable in describing the community as her home.

White received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education as well as her master’s degree in education administration at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

She also holds a specialist degree in superintendency as well as a doctorate degree in education administration.

White has worked a number of positions in academia, first serving as a teacher in Cahokia for nine years before spending 10 years as a principal in the district.

She stayed in an administrative role as she took her career to Dupo at Bluffview Elementary for seven years, and she most recently served as assistant superintendent for the district as Dupo Superintendent Kelly Carpenter was planning her departure.

“Last year, I was the assistant superintendent here at Dupo,” White said. “As Dr. Carpenter was transitioning out, they were transitioning me in as the new superintendent while I also supported and trained the new principal of Bluffview.”

White explained that her initial interest in pursuing a career in education came about thanks to her love of children.

Her further interest in education administration developed given how such a position provides additional opportunities to affect change and offer support.

“I absolutely love children,” White said. “They’re very important to me, and helping them grow and develop and become amazing people has been the greatest success of my career… That was really the driving force for me is to be able to support and care for students the way that people had cared for me and supported me in my education.”

Speaking on her time as an administrator over the past 17 years, White said she’s been exceptionally blessed to be able to work with amazing teachers who share her mindset and are willing to come together as a team.

White also reiterated the connection she’s come to feel toward Dupo as she looks forward to serving as superintendent.

“This is my home, so I am deeply involved and rooted here in the community, and I think that really gives me the drive to make sure that our school district and our community is the best we can possibly be,” White said. “I definitely want to focus on student achievement, and that is rooted in my belief that every student deserves a safe and engaging learning environment.”

Further speaking to her hopes for the district, she noted the importance of a positive climate in the district as well as the need for open communication.

“Dupo has a long history of positive success, and I really want that to continue and to thrive,” White said.