The Lake Bluff Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday evening to select Dr. Lisa Leali as the next Superintendent of Schools beginning July 1st, 2020, as Dr. Jean Sophie retires at the end of the current school year. Dr. Leali is currently the Chief Education Officer at Kenilworth School District 38.
“The Board of Education is very excited that Dr. Lisa Leali has accepted our offer to be the next Superintendent of Lake Bluff Schools. We are confident that she will be an outstanding leader,” says Board President Mark Barry. The selection is the result of an extensive national search conducted by School Exec Connect that produced over 50 qualified applicants from diverse geographic and professional backgrounds. A superintendent profile was created from the results of the community survey and focus groups, which was then used as a guide for the interviewing team to select the best candidate. The interviewing team consisted of Board Members, Administrators, Staff and Community Members.
Mark Barry, Board President, shared “the Board would like to thank the community members and staff for their participation in the community survey. Hiring a superintendent is one of the most important jobs of the Board of Education. Partnering with our community was crucial to the process.“
Dr. Leali completed her doctoral program in Educational Leadership with a Superintendent Endorsement and Licensure from National Louis University. Prior to obtaining her Superintendent licensure, she earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Illinois Wesleyan University. Prior to her work in Kenilworth, Dr. Leali served in many administrative as well as teaching positions in Hawthorn District 73, most recently as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction.
“I am so proud to be named the next Superintendent of Schools in Lake Bluff District 65. To be given the opportunity to serve a community that values educational excellence and that nurtures a sense of enthusiasm for life in its students is a tremendous honor. I am deeply grateful for the confidence the Board of Education has placed in me to lead their school district. My commitment will be to sustain and support improvement efforts which build upon all of the wonderful work that has taken place under the leadership of Dr. Jean Sophie. Her passion and dedication to the Lake Bluff community will have an impact for years to come,” said Dr. Leali.
Contract terms for Dr. Leali are available on the district website. Board President Mark Barry shared, “this is a competitive contract commensurate with the responsibilities and expectations of the Lake Bluff Board of Education as well as the Lake Bluff community. Dr. Leali is a very strong match to the qualities identified in the community survey. I am extremely pleased, on behalf of the Board of Education, administration and staff to welcome Dr. Lisa Leali to Lake Bluff Schools.”
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