Board of Education Names Dr. Laurie Heinz Next Superintendent of Schools
Following an extensive nationwide search, the CCSD15 Board of Education is excited to announce the selection of Dr. Laurie Heinz as the next Superintendent of Schools.
Dr. Heinz will take over for current Superintendent Dr. Scott Thompson, who retires June 30, 2019 after nine years as the district’s leader. Dr. Heinz will become District 15’s first female superintendent in its 72-year history.
“The Board of Education is pleased to welcome Dr. Heinz to District 15. After a thorough interview process, she emerged as the very best person for this critical role in our district. We are fortunate to have a new superintendent who is a collaborative leader with a passionate commitment to continuous improvement,” said Board of Education President Lisa Szczupaj.
Dr. Heinz is currently the Superintendent of Schools in Park Ridge-Niles School District 64, a role she has held since 2014. She is credited as being a significant change agent in District 64. During her tenure, the district implemented a 5-year strategic plan known as “2020 Vision.” Now in year four of the plan, forward progress has been made in providing a rigorous and differentiated curricular experience for students and continually expanding access to engaging instruction within an environment enhanced with technology.
Before leading District 64, she held roles as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction in Skokie District 68 and Principal in Northbrook District 27. Dr. Heinz started her administrative career in District 15 as an Assistant Principal at Winston Campus from 1998-2002. In her early years as an educator, she was a first and second grade teacher.
“District 15’s reputation as the second-largest elementary school system in the state of Illinois was certainly what initially drew me to apply. Beyond its 20 schools, I found myself drawn to the diversity of the student population and the impressive opportunities offered to its learners. I’m thrilled to be returning to the district that gave me my start as an administrator, and set me on a path of seeking continuous improvement in every district I have led. I am truly looking forward to getting to know the staff, students and communities that District 15 so proudly serves,“ Dr. Heinz said.
Dr. Heinz will begin work in District 15 on July 1, 2019. Opportunities for the public to meet her prior to July 1 will be announced in the coming weeks.
Community Consolidated School District 15 Board of Education
Website: ccsd15.net
Location: 580 North 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, IL, USA
Phone: 847-963-3000
Facebook: facebook.com/CCSD15
Twitter: @D15Schools