Lake County Gazette

Community Consolidated School District 181 has started a nationwide search for its next Superintendent of Schools. The move comes as Dr. Hector Garcia, who has led the district since 2018, prepares to retire in June 2026 after eight years of service.

"We are profoundly grateful for his unwavering dedication to our students and staff, which has reinforced our district's strong foundation of academic excellence. This transition is an opportunity to build upon the significant progress made under his leadership," the Board stated.

The Board emphasized its commitment to finding a successor who reflects community values and can continue advancing the district’s culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation. "Our search will be a thoughtful and deliberate process aimed at identifying a leader who can continue to foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation," according to the announcement.

Community involvement is central to the process. "To do this effectively, we need your voice. Your experiences and insights as parents, staff, and community members are critical in helping us build a profile of the ideal candidate. In the coming months, we will host community forums and launch a district-wide survey to gather your valuable input. Together, we will ensure a seamless transition and a bright future for our schools," said the Board.

The district represents DuPage and Cook counties and includes Clarendon Hills Middle School, Elm Elementary School, Hinsdale Middle School, Madison Elementary School, Monroe Elementary School, Oak Elementary School, Prospect Elementary School, The Lane Elementary School, and Walker School (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). According to state data from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), District 181 employs 282 teachers with an average salary of $94,227; about 90 percent are women while 10 percent are men. No teacher in the district had more than ten absences during a school year (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).

Demographically, ISBE reports that District 181’s student population is nearly 70 percent White, with Asian students making up over 15 percent; Hispanic students represent almost seven percent while Black students account for just over one percent (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In terms of finances, District 181 spent $31,308 per student in 2020 for a total expenditure exceeding $117 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).

A survey is available online for those wishing to provide input on the superintendent search.