John Meixner, who recently retired as the Regional Office of Education #26 superintendent, has been named the 2026 Superintendent of Distinction by his peers in the Western Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA).
Meixner was honored at an awards luncheon April 23 in Springfield, where 21 regional Superintendents of Distinction were recognized. The IASA Western Region comprises Henderson, Warren, Knox, Hancock, McDonough and Fulton counties. Superintendents of Distinction were selected by peers in their region based on their commitment, dedication and leadership.
'It has been the honor of my career to serve the students, educators, and families of this region,' said Meixner, who has been an educator for 32 years and regional superintendent for 20 years. 'From my earliest days as a teacher and coach to my time as Regional Superintendent, I have always believed in the power of education to change lives. I am incredibly proud of the team we have built at ROE #26 and the impact we have made together.'
While Meixner retired earlier this month, he will be working with ROE #26 in a new capacity, focusing on legislative and community initiatives.
'Exceptional leadership creates opportunities for students and strengthens communities,' said IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark. 'At ROE #26, John Meixner's forward-thinking approach and dedication have transformed the region in meaningful and measurable ways.'
Meixner joined ROE26 as assistant regional superintendent in 2006, was appointed as regional superintendent in 2009, and then elected to that role in 2010. As the elected chief executive officer of ROE26 for more than 15 years, Meixner guided the organization with a mission to “Champion Our Community.” Over that time, he has been re-elected multiple times, most recently in 2022. A graduate of Macomb High School, he attended Spoon River College and earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Western Illinois University. His passion for education began early through coaching and teaching roles in local school districts, including Industry CUSD and Southeastern School District, where he served as a teacher, coach, athletic director and junior high dean of students.
During his tenure, Meixner successfully led the 2015 consolidation of two regional offices into what is now ROE26, creating the unified structure serving Fulton, Hancock, McDonough, and Schuyler counties. Under his leadership, the office expanded services in early childhood education, alternative learning, family support, and workforce development, while continuing to fulfill its regulatory and support role for local school districts.
Meixner has also been an active leader at the state level, serving as treasurer of the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS) and contributing to numerous state committees, task forces, and commissions focused on education policy and student success.
