Retired school superintendent Christine Benson of Ottawa has been named to the Illinois State Board of Education. She was a teacher for 20 years and worked as superintendent in the Mendota High, Ottawa Elementary, and Streator Elementary school districts. Benson has a Doctor of Education degree from Northern Illinois University.
Her appointment to the Illinois State Board of Education is subject to the Illinois Senate’s approval. Benson, a Democrat, ran for Illinois Senate in 2012 and 2016 against Republican Sue Rezin. Benson is one of the electors who cast votes for Pres. Joe Biden and Vice Pres. Kamala Harris in December.