Dixon School Board Appoints Melydi Huyett as New Superintendent

The Dixon School Board has selected Melydi Huyett as the next superintendent of Dixon Public Schools, following the retirement of current superintendent Margo Empen in July 2026. The unanimous decision was made during a board meeting on December 17, 2024, and Huyett’s three-year contract will commence on July 1, 2026.

Huyett, a native of Dixon, currently serves as the principal of Centennial Elementary School in Polo, Illinois. She expressed her excitement about taking on this new role, stating, “I am truly honored to be a part of and serve Dixon Public Schools. I look forward to working in partnership with our students, our staff, and our community partners in order to continue to do what’s best for the students of Dixon and our community.”

With over 20 years of experience in public education, Huyett has a robust background in instructional leadership, district administration, and achieving student-centered outcomes. Her work at Centennial Elementary has included initiatives in math and English language arts development, grant writing, and technology implementation.

Linda Wegner, President of the school board, highlighted Huyett’s commitment to the community, noting, “Melydi is a lifelong resident of Dixon and a product of Dixon Public Schools. She sees this as an opportunity to give back to the schools, families, and community that helped shape who she is.” Huyett has also served as a mentor for new principals across Illinois and received recognition for her leadership, including the 2015 Award of Excellence from the Illinois State Board of Education.

Huyett holds a doctorate in education from Aurora University and a chief school business official degree from Northern Illinois University. According to her contract, she is required to establish residency within the district within one year of her start date and will receive an annual salary of $150,000 for the 2026-2027 contract year, with a subsequent increase of 3% each year thereafter.

The board initiated its search for a new superintendent in October 2024 as part of its planning for Empen’s retirement. In December 2024, the board voted to engage the Illinois Association of School Boards for $8,400 to assist in the search process, which officially began in June 2025.

During the recent meeting, Brandon Rogers, Vice President of the board, emphasized the importance of being intentional about the transition period leading to Huyett’s tenure. Melissa Gates, Board Secretary, suggested hosting informal meet-and-greet sessions to introduce Huyett to the community. As of now, no official meet-and-greet event has been scheduled.

The school board’s decision marks a significant step in ensuring continuity and strong leadership for Dixon Public Schools as it prepares for the future under Huyett’s guidance.