Seven-year Keeneyville superintendent to lead CCSD21 beginning July 1
At its December meeting, the CCSD21 Board of Education unanimously approved the hiring of Dr. Michael Connolly as its next superintendent. Dr. Connolly will assume the superintendency on July 1, 2018.
Dr. Connolly brings experienced leadership and a wealth of knowledge to CCSD21. Currently, Dr. Connolly serves as the Superintendent of Keeneyville School District 20 in Hanover Park, a position he has held since 2011. The CCSD21 Board selected Dr. Connolly from a pool of nearly 50 local and national candidates.
“Dr. Connolly distinguished himself by virtue of his broad-based experience as a teacher, principal, school improvement coordinator and more than six years as a current superintendent in a very diverse district that mirrors some of the challenges experienced in District 21,” said Phil Pritzker, CCSD21 Board of Education President. “His child-centered approach, supported by an open and engaging personal management style, is one that the Board believes will be the right fit for our community. We welcome Dr. Connolly to the District 21 community and together look forward to preparing all students for success.”
Dr. Connolly earned his Ed.D. in 2008 from National Louis University. Previous experiences in education include serving as Director of Curriculum at Fenton High School District 100, as well as serving as a principal, assistant principal, and teacher. Dr. Connolly currently serves as a member of IASA-ISBE Superintendent’s Advisory Committee, serves on the Board of Directors for the Superintendent’s Roundtable of Northern Illinois, and is a graduate of the Illinois School for Advanced Leadership, a program of the Illinois Association of School Administrators.
“I am deeply gratified to the Board of Education for giving me the opportunity to join the CCSD21 family,” Dr. Connolly said. “I look forward to being part of a diverse and caring learning community committed to supporting all children to learn, grow, and be healthy, successful, and strong individuals. I am very excited for the opportunity to engage with and become part of CCSD21 and the communities we serve in the months and years to come.”
Dr. Connolly will succeed Dr. Kate Hyland, who has served as CCSD21 Superintendent for six years. Dr. Hyland joined CCSD21 in 2003 and her retirement celebrates 33 years of service to public education. Dr. Hyland and Dr. Connolly will meet throughout the spring to ensure a smooth transition.
“School District 21 will be in good hands with Dr. Connolly and I look forward to working with him throughout the spring to continue building successes for our students, staff, and community,” Dr. Hyland said.
EMPOWERING EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY
