Urbana School District 116 Superintendent, Dr. Jennifer Ivory-Tatum, announced Wednesday that she will retire at the end of the 2026-2027 school year. This will mark the end of nearly two decades of service as a leader and administrator in Urbana and 34 years in education.

Dr. Ivory-Tatum shared the announcement with district staff during Urbana’s annual Opening Day celebration, which officially kicked off the school year.

This year’s theme for Opening Day, “Gratitude is the Best Attitude,” provided an opportunity for Dr. Ivory-Tatum to reflect on her career and her time serving the Urbana community.

“It has truly been one of the greatest privileges and honors of my professional career to serve this district and this community,” she said. “We have accomplished a great deal together, and we have laid a strong foundation for the future of Urbana.”

While the 2026–2027 school year will be Dr. Ivory-Tatum’s final year as superintendent, she emphasized that her focus remains firmly on the work ahead.

“While this may be my final year as Superintendent, I am not finished yet!” Dr. Ivory-Tatum said. “I intend to work just as hard this year as I have every year, every day, and every hour, for every student, every staff member, and every family we serve.”

Over the coming weeks, Dr. Ivory-Tatum will work closely with the Urbana School District Board of Education, Executive Leadership Team, the Urbana Education Association, teacher leaders, and others to help ensure there is a thoughtful and inclusive process for selecting the next Superintendent of Urbana School District 116. 

The district believes it is important that families, students, staff, administrators, and community partners have meaningful opportunities to provide input about the leadership qualities and priorities they believe are important for the future of Urbana School District.

The Board of Education will share additional information about the Superintendent search and opportunities for stakeholder involvement as that process develops.

For Dr. Ivory-Tatum, the announcement marks the beginning of a final year focused on the students, staff and community she has served throughout her career.

“I simply want to say thank you,” she said. “Thank you for your trust. Thank you for your partnership. Thank you for your commitment to our students and our schools. And thank you for allowing me the extraordinary privilege of serving as your Superintendent.”