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In Effingham, Illinois, the Effingham Unit 40 Schools has set the stage for a seamless leadership transition as Superintendent Andrew D. Johnson prepares for his retirement. Johnson, who has been at the helm of the district, will step down from his role on June 30, 2028.
In a decisive move, the Board of Education announced on Monday that Kelsey Baker, currently serving as Assistant Superintendent, will be Johnson’s successor. Baker is scheduled to ascend to the role of Deputy Superintendent on July 1, 2026, before fully assuming the responsibilities of Superintendent two years down the line.
Expressing her enthusiasm and gratitude, Baker stated, “I am incredibly honored to be selected to lead the district that has given me so much.” She emphasized her commitment to collaborating with Johnson, along with the staff and community, to ensure the district continues to provide exemplary education to all its students.
This structured succession plan reflects Effingham Unit 40 Schools’ dedication to stability and continued excellence in educational leadership.
Baker has a connection with the school district that dates back to her childhood: she attended Unit 40 schools from kindergarten through high school. She later attended and graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education in 2006 and a Master of Science in Special Education in 2009.
Her “advanced administrative qualifications” include a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and a Director of Special Education license, both earned in 2009, followed most recently by a Specialist in Educational Leadership degree in 2024.
Returning to her hometown school district, Baker served as a Special Education teacher at Central Grade School and Effingham Junior High for three and eight years, respectively, before becoming Principal of the Fresh Start Treatment and Learning Center for the Eastern Illinois Area
Special Education (EIASE) Cooperative.
She served in that role for two years before returning to Unit 40 as the Assistant Principal of Effingham Junior High School. Three years later, she became Assistant Superintendent of the district.
During her time as Assistant Superintendent, Baker received the Award of Meritorious Service from the Illinois State Board of Education.
“Her experience, passion, and deep roots in our community make her a strong choice to lead Unit 40 into the future,” the school district wrote on Facebook.