Description
Position Title: Superintendent
Department: District
Supervisor: Board of Education
Calendar: 260 day/12 months
FLSA Status: Exempt
Affiliation: Unaffiliated
Date: November 3, 2025
Objective
The Superintendent is the District's executive officer and is responsible for the administration and management of the District schools in accordance with Board of Education policies and directives, specifically Board Policy 3:40 Superintendent, and State and federal law, including the special reporting responsibilities in policy 5:90 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting. District management duties include, without limitation, preparing, submitting, publishing, and posting reports and notifications as required by State and federal law. The Superintendent is authorized to develop administrative procedures and take other necessary actions to implement Board policy and fulfill their responsibilities. The Superintendent may delegate to other District staff members the exercise of any powers and the discharge of any duties imposed upon the Superintendent by Board of Education policies or by Board vote. The delegation of power or duty, however, shall not relieve the Superintendent of responsibility for the action that was delegated.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. Ensures that all actions are compliant with established Board policies as well as the mission, vision, and values defined by the district and Board of Education.
2. Carries out such additional duties as required or as conditions necessitate.
3. Participates in job training and professional growth opportunities in order to enhance the ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
4. Management and supervision across Cabinet and district leadership.
5. Lead large-scale district projects that require management, support, and coordination across multiple divisions and multiple stakeholder groups.
6. Provide leadership and coordination for the development and implementation, when appropriate, of bond programs, including budget management, program development and improvement, project management across all aspects of the bond package, coordination between divisions and schools, and effective stakeholder engagement.
7. Provide leadership and direction for district-level community engagement efforts. 8. Represent the District at meetings of staff and community groups, as requested.
9. Leads the Superintendent's Cabinet.
10. Participates in all School Board meetings.
11. Provides technical expertise, information, and assistance regarding assigned functions; assists in the formulation and development of policies, procedures, and programs; manage and problem-solve unusual trends or problems and recommend appropriate corrective action; and manage the day-to-day operation of the district.
12. Provide organizational leadership to ensure the coordinated planning and consistent implementation of the school district’s strategic plan, making certain that programs and supports are effective and focused on student learning, and prioritized to meet individual school needs. Foster a work environment and culture that is student-focused and results-oriented.
13. Perform other duties as assigned or required as the District’s executive officer.
Qualifications
1. A Professional Educator License (PEL) with a superintendent endorsement issued by the Illinois State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board.
2. Prior administrative experience is preferred, such as a building leader or district manager.
3. Strong organizational management and team development capacity to work collaboratively with all members of the school community.
4. Strong time management and organizational skills.
5. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, public speaking and presentation skills, and interpersonal and interview skills.
6. Strong technology skills for presentation and database use.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Ability to communicate effectively, make appropriate decisions, and interact collaboratively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
2. Demonstrated ability to lead complex operational and strategic projects.
3. Strong management, organizational, and leadership skills.
4. Knowledgeable public relations/communications experience in a public school system.
5. Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communications skills and proficiency with current technology.
6. Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, work under time constraints, and to be flexible in an environment of multiple tasks and changing priorities.
7. Strategic and tactical thinking skills and problem-solving skills.
8. Proven skills and experience in strategic planning and communicating a vision and goals to others.
9. Ability to effectively implement action plans throughout an organization.
10. High-energy and inspirational leadership skills.
11. Ability to unify, motivate, develop, support, and empower a high-performing team of administrators, teachers, principals, and support staff.
12. Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, District policies, building, and department procedures.
13. Ability to stay current with district policy, standards, and training in the areas of data quality, data privacy, and cybersecurity with respect to student and staff data, and related information systems.
14. Ability to engage in effective communication, collaboration, and teamwork with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, while demonstrating respect and appreciation for their differences.
15. Willingness to contribute to cultural diversity for educational enrichment. Ability to manage multiple priorities.
16. Ability to diffuse and manage volatile and stressful situations.
17. Ability to work with staff and students with diverse backgrounds and abilities.
18. Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment, and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator.
Education and Experience
1. BS/BA degree, or equivalent, from an accredited college/university required.
2. A Master’s degree in education management/leadership required.
3. Three (3) to five (5) years of experience or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience, in leadership, strategic planning, communications, marketing, and public relations.
4. Practical experiences in a school system setting, including but not limited to building or district administration.
Supervisory Responsibility
Directors, Principals, and members of the superintendent’s department.
Position TRS Eligible
Yes
Work Environment
This job operated in a professional in-person office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.
Travel
Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.
Other Duties
Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit an application online to https://www.applitrack.com/dekalbdist428/onlineapp/ that includes:
Completed online application
Formal letter expressing interest in the position
Resume/CV
4 current letters of recommendation (within 1 year)
Proof of certifications and licensure
Emailed, hand-delivered, or faxed application materials will not be accepted. Only complete application packets will be reviewed for consideration.
Applicants are asked not to contact board members. For questions, contact Deetra Sallis at 815-754-2328 or Deetra.Sallis@d428.org.
Projected Timeline
Deadline to apply is November 16, 2025.
All applicants will remain confidential until final round interviews
Interviews complete and candidate selected December 2025 - January 2026
