Dr. Lisa Leali

Dr. Lisa Leali has been Superintendent of Schools for Lake Bluff Elementary School District 65 since July 2020.  Dr. Leali has over 20 years of experience in public education as an elementary school teacher (4th and 2nd grade), assistant principal, coordinator for curriculum and technology, director of teaching and learning and as an assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. 

Before coming to Lake Bluff, Dr. Leali served as Chief Education Officer and Superintendent at Kenilworth School District 38.  Dr. Leali also served in many administrative roles at Hawthorn District 73.  Dr. Leali was instrumental in developing and implementing a research-based guaranteed and viable curriculum, standards-based instruction and reporting, and personalized learning and full day kindergarten for all students.  

Dr. Leali earned her master’s degree in Educational Leadership in 2007 from Northeastern Illinois University and her doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2010 from National-Louis University. Her dissertation was titled “Joyful Classrooms, Successful Kids: A study in the connection between joy and learning.” Dr. Leali has served as a consultant on standards-based reporting and writing instruction for school districts in Lake and Cook Counties, has presented regionally for the Illinois Association for Curriculum Development on data and assessment and has presented nationally on the topic of instructional coaching. She currently serves on the Partnership Board for the Northeastern Illinois University Principal Endorsement Program.

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Join Dr. Leali for 'Connection and Conversation' at the District Office

A series of brief and informal conversations around educational issues with District 65 Superintendent, Dr. Lisa Leali. All sessions will take place in the District Office conference room. Please RSVP at least 48 hours in advance of each session so that we can ensure we have enough snacks!

January 24, 2023 - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm    The Joy Snack

By mindfully tuning in to the pleasant, nice and sometimes routine experiences of every day, we can transform an otherwise mundane moment into something more meaningful and even joyful. New research shows that finding and savoring these nuggets of joy can be a way of consistently cultivating a good, meaningful life.

February 22, 2023 - 4:00 - 5:00 pm   What Makes Relationships Thrive

Everyone wants to be loved and appreciated. Psychologist Harry Reis, says there’s another ingredient to successful relationships that’s every bit as important as love.

March 21, 2023 - 5:30 - 6:30 pm   Hidden Brain - How Rude

It’s not your imagination: rudeness appears to be on the rise. Witnessing rude behavior — whether it's coming from angry customers berating a store clerk or airline passengers getting into a fistfight — can have long-lasting effects on our minds. But behavioral scientist Christine Porath says there are ways to shield ourselves from the toxic effects of incivility.

April 18, 2023 - 7:00 - 8:00 pm    The Science Of Reading - no link

We will be discussing the recent publicity around the science of reading, Lucy Calkins’ Units of Study, Fountas & Pinnell and Reading Recovery. Please come with your questions and we will update you on our discussions as a district and plans for the future.

May 24, 2023 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm  Helping Kids Manage Grief and Loss

Grief can come in different forms - from losing a loved one, to mourning the loss of senior year in high school, to not getting into your favorite college. How can you tell if your child is grieving and what can you do to help? Lisa and Reena examine how to support our kids as they cope with loss.