Dr. James A. Mitchem Jr. served as VVSD Superintendent of Schools for a decade, and during that time, he was the driving force behind establishing a building whose sole purpose is to serve VVSD’s youngest learners. His vision came to fruition in 2017 when the newly remodeled Valley View Early Childhood Center opened.

In recognition of Mitchem’s vision and commitment, as well as his leadership in a VVSD career that covered four decades, the building is now known as the Dr. James A. Mitchem, Jr. Early Childhood Center. The JMEC was officially dedicated in a ceremony at the entrance to the school on Sept. 30.

“Dr. Mitchem lives his belief that in order to inspire student’s minds, we must first touch their hearts,” said VVSD Board of Education President Steve Quigley said. “He has done more than just express those words; he has lived them every day to the benefit of the Valley View community.

“In addition to his commitment to our youngest learners,” Quigley continued, “during his 40 years of service, Dr. Mitchem always demonstrated his dedication to all VVSD students, families, and educators.”

The Dr. James A. Mitchem, Jr. Early Childhood Center is located at 753 Dalhart Ave. in Romeoville. The building was expanded in 2017 under Dr. Mitchem’s leadership and now serves over 600 pre-kindergarten students. The Early Childhood Center provides a high-quality and engaging learning environment and is recognized as an ExceleRate Illinois Gold Circle of Quality pre-kindergarten program.

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Dr. James A. Mitchem, Jr. Early Childhood Center on Sept. 30. Retired VVSD Superintendent, Dr. James A. Mitchem, Jr. cuts the ribbon while VVSD Board of Education President Steve Quigley and current VVSD Superintendent of Schools Rachel Kinder, Ed.S hold the ribbon steady.