Superintendent Search

Good Afternoon NSSEO Community

At our upcoming March 1st, 2023 NSSEO Governing Board meeting a brief update regarding the superintendent search will be provided but no official action regarding the new superintendent will take place.

A separate notification regarding an upcoming special Board meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 7th @ 5:00 pm at NSSEO will be posted on the NSSEO website this Friday, March 3rd that will include the agenda for the special board meeting.  The agenda will include a recommended motion to extend and approve the contract for the incoming superintendent of NSSEO.  The new superintendent will officially take office on July 1st, 2023.  

There will be a brief welcome reception for the new Superintendent prior to the scheduled April Governing Board meeting on Wednesday, April 5th at 6:30 pm at Timber Ridge Alternative School, where the Governing Board meeting will be held. Further details regarding the welcome reception will be shared with the NSSEO community in upcoming weeks. 

Your ongoing support and involvement in NSSEO is greatly appreciated.   

Sincerely,

NSSEO Governing Board President Anna Klimkowicz

NSSEO has begun the search for a new superintendent of schools to replace Dr. Judy Hackett when she retires in June of 2023.
The firm Hazard, Young, Attea, & Associates (HYA) has been selected to lead the search for her successor.

Job Description

North Suburban Special Education Organization (NSSEO) is seeking a highly accomplished, energetic professional to be the organization’s next leader. Focused on building futures for students with special needs, NSSEO serves the students in the northwest suburbs of Chicago through programs designed through a person-centered approach to address a range of intense, significant needs as well as providing services and support to students and staff in member districts. Additionally, those services range from itinerant low incidence student services to embedded coaching, technical supports, professional learning and monthly parent training across member districts. NSSEO’s annual budget is $47.3 million with a staff of approximately 470.

NSSEO is located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and serves many communities in Cook County. NSSEO Special Education Cooperative Membership includes six elementary districts that include Community Consolidated School District 21, Prospect Heights School District 23, Arlington Heights School District 25, River Trails School District 26, Mount Prospect School District 57, Community Consolidated District 59, and the two high school districts, Township High School District 211 and Township High School District 214. NSSEO is governed by a Board of District Board Members selected by each of the respective district boards to serve on the NSSEO Governing Board.

The successful candidate needs to have a proven track record as a responsive and successful leader; must be an effective communicator; must have a deep understanding of special education law and funding and can demonstrate proven, tangible success in improving the outcomes for students with special needs. The new leader will need to be fully invested and committed to the organization’s core values:

• a person-centered philosophy that reflects an individualized focus on students’ strengths, desires, and life goals,
• students, families, and communities engaged in a rigorous, exciting learning process,
• connecting and collaborating through partnerships designed to expand and advance meaningful opportunities for students,
• high standards, systems and innovative practices that enhance growth for students, staff and leaders,
• equitable opportunities and practices that provide for the diversity, culture and inclusion of all students, families, and staff, and
• looking beyond what is, to what is possible.

Application and Selection Process

Applicants need to submit the following via email to HYA Associate Brian Harris at brianharris@hyasearch.com and HYA Associate Karen Sullivan at karensullivan@hyasearch.com with NSSEO SEARCH in the subject line:

• Full resume
• Cover letter stating why they are seeking the job and why they will be an excellent fit for the organization
• Full contact information for three references who can be immediately contacted
• A written response (two page maximum) to the following prompt:
  The pandemic has changed learning and teaching for all students, including those with special needs. What have you learned about effective leadership from your experience during the pandemic and what innovations and adjustments in practices, programs, and/or policies are now necessary to ensure success for students with special needs? 

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