Empowering education leaders to thrive through collaborative partnerships.

"The Early Superintendent Mentoring program was invaluable. Having two dedicated mentors and a network of peers made navigating my first year so much more manageable. It’s a must-have for anyone stepping into this role."
Dr. Kelly McClainSuperintendent, Litchfield CUSD 12
"Student-Centered Services’ mentoring program was a lifeline in my first year as superintendent. Their support helped me navigate the challenges and build confidence in this complex, rewarding role."
Molly Edmonds
Molly EdmondsSuperintendent, Pawnee CUSD 11
“Student-Centered Services demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our district... We could not have been happier with the process and the outcome.”
Ed Mulholland, Board President
Ed Mulholland, Board PresidentNorth Boone CUSD 200
“We had the privilege of working with Student-Centered Services during our strategic planning process, and the experience was truly transformative... Their approach was inclusive, comprehensive, and engaged all voices across our District.”
Dr. Wes Olson, Superintendent
Dr. Wes Olson, SuperintendentBond County CUSD 2
"Student-Centered Services has been a lifeline in my early years as superintendent. Their mentorship, 24/7 support, and incredible network helped me not just survive, but truly thrive. They’ve become part of my work tribe, and I’m forever grateful."
Dr. Denise WilcoxSuperintendent, Beach Park SD 3

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Dr. Ken Wallace

Dr. Ken Wallace retired in 2024 as the longest serving Superintendent of Maine Township High School District 207’s history. District 207 serves 6200 students in three high schools in nine communities that wrap around the northeast quadrant of O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. During Ken’s tenure, District 207 became Google’s first k-12 partner and one of the nation’s first 1:1 cloud-based computing Districts while being named one of America’s most innovative Districts multiple times for advanced Adult Learning, Personalized Student Career Planning and Student Support Systems. Ken is a certified Change Leadership and Strategic Planning and Execution Coach.

Contact Dr. Ken Wallace

Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau

Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau has dedicated over four decades to education, holding positions as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. He recently retired in 2025 after a 30-year tenure as a superintendent, with his final role being the superintendent of Litchfield. Throughout his extensive career, Dr. Fuerstenau has developed a strong background in key areas of school administration. His expertise includes early childhood literacy, school finance, career and technical education and construction.

Contact Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau

Dr. Dawn Green

Dawn began her career in education in 1992 as a high school history teacher. She quickly moved into administration, serving as a dean, assistant principal, associate principal, and principal at various schools. Later, she worked in the McLean County Unit #5 district office as a secondary curriculum director and human resources director. Dawn’s career continued to evolve as she became a superintendent at Somonauk School District and Palos Heights School District. After retiring in 2019, she has remained active in the education field, working in various part time leadership roles and mentoring school leaders and new teachers.

Contact Dr. Dawn Green

Dr. Kristin Humphries

Kristin Humphries, Superintendent of the East Moline School District since 2010, has dedicated his career to serving children and families. With experience as a teacher, technology director, principal, and CFO, he brings a comprehensive perspective to educational leadership. Dr. Humphries is a tireless advocate for equity, actively engaging with community coalitions and serving on nonprofit boards. Under his leadership, East Moline helped create the first community-wide mesh WiFi network in Illinois, ensuring all children have access to essential resources. As a member of the American Association of School Administrators Governing Board, Dr. Humphries advocates for public education in Springfield and Washington, D.C.

Contact Dr. Kristin Humphries

Michael Kelly

An educator since 1983, Mike served as a teacher, coach, and activities director. Then, he assumed the role of principal at both the high school and middle school levels in Carlinville. He subsequently served as Superintendent in the same district from 2005 to 2017. After retiring, he mentored principals, taught at the college level, and served as the Executive Director for the Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation, an anti-poverty organization. He then served as Interim Superintendent in Staunton, where he facilitated their transition to a new leadership team. Recently, he has provided assistance to a district with business office transitions.

Contact Michael Kelly

Dr. David Lett

With 40 years in education, Dr. David Lett’s career spans from coaching a state championship high school football team to 30 years in administration, including 17 as Superintendent in Pana, Illinois. From 2019-2024, he also served as Litchfield School District’s CTE Coordinator. A former Illinois State Board of Education member (2018-2022), Dr. Lett is highly regarded for his school funding advocacy, notably championing the Evidence Based Funding formula and helping secure new CTE funds. His collaborative leadership consistently drove strategic planning, fostered dual credit growth, and guided student-centered career pathways, significantly expanding student opportunity and academic success.

Contact Dr. David Lett

Dr. Donn Mendoza

Dr. Donn P. Mendoza is in his 12th year as an Illinois public school superintendent, currently leading Round Lake Area Schools. Named Lake County’s Superintendent of Distinction in 2022, he has over 30 years of leadership experience across diverse communities and roles. He serves on the executive boards of LUDA, ED-RED, and SEDOL, and teaches doctoral students at Judson University. Dr. Mendoza is known for strategic planning, fiscal responsibility, and shaping educational policy. He holds degrees from Judson, Aurora, and Northern Illinois University. In his free time, he enjoys sports, biographies, and fitness.

Contact Dr. Donn Mendoza

Jessica Miller

Jessica L. Miller is the Superintendent of Pana Community Unit School District 8. She began her career as a fourth-grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary in Pana, where she taught for ten years before serving seven years as the district’s Technology Integration Specialist. Jessica later became principal of Taylorville Junior High School, where her leadership helped earn a National Blue Ribbon School Award for closing the achievement gap. She has also served as a Technology Administrator, coach, and presenter at national conferences. Jessica and her husband, Matt, live in the Taylorville area with their daughter.

Contact Jessica Miller

Kevin Ross

Kevin has spent the entirety of his 29 year career in education in East-Central Illinois. He is the current Superintendent of Marshall C.U.S.D. C-2 where he has been for the past 13 years. Kevin is a huge proponent of career exploration and education at all levels for all students, developing career education programming that has been borrowed from or copied throughout the region. He is a believer in the local school as the hub of the community and the superintendent being not only an educational leader, but also a community leader.

Contact Kevin Ross

Dr. Brad Skertich

Dr. Brad Skertich brings 27 years of experience in public education, serving as a teacher, principal/grants coordinator, and superintendent. Inspired by his educator parents, he began his career teaching at Triad, then a principal in Bunker Hill and a superintendent in Southwestern and currently the Collinsville School District. His leadership emphasizes communication, transparency, and strategic planning to improve student outcomes, morale, finances, and facilities. Dr. Skertich has played key roles in securing major funding initiatives, including the Evidence-Based Funding Formula and local tax measures. He and his wife, Stacy, live in Maryville, Illinois, and have two children and one grandchild.

Contact Dr. Brad Skertich

Dr. Susan Harkin

Dr. Susan Harkin served as Superintendent of District 300 from 2021 to 2024, leading strategic planning initiatives and advancing student-centered goals. Prior to that, she was the district’s Chief Operating Officer (2015–2021) and Chief Financial Officer (2012–2015), overseeing finance, operations, and major initiatives like tuition-free full-day kindergarten and a comprehensive master facility plan Her earlier roles include CFO at Crystal Lake’s District 47 and assistant superintendent in Des Plaines’ District 62. A recognized leader, Harkin is a past president of Illinois ASBO, received its prestigious Monarch Award (2019) and Presidential Award (2024), and was named Kane County Educator of the Year (2023). She currently serves as vice-chair of ISBE’s Professional Review Panel and president of the Boys & Girls Club of Dundee Township. Harkin holds degrees in accountancy, school business administration, and educational leadership, and has six District 300 graduate children with her husband, Bill.

Contact Dr. Susan Harkin

Dr. Shelia Boozer

Dr. Shelia Boozer, most recently served as Superintendent of Champaign Unit 4 School District, is an equity-focused educator with 28 years of experience. She leads with a commitment to dismantling barriers and ensuring all students have access to high-quality learning. In Champaign and previously in Springfield District 186, she has prioritized inclusive practices, student achievement, and leadership development. Dr. Boozer has led districtwide efforts in curriculum, technology, and instructional equity. She has actively contributed to the broader educational community through leadership roles with Large Unit District Association (LUDA), Champaign Urbana School Foundation (CUSF), and various community initiatives, always focused on advancing excellence, justice, and opportunity for all learners.

Contact Dr. Shelia Boozer

Dr. John Burkey

Dr. John Burkey is executive director of the Large Unit District Association of Illinois, representing 57 of the state’s largest unit school districts. He is also an adjunct professor at Northern Illinois University, teaching future superintendents and business officials. Previously superintendent of Huntley District 158 for 12 years, Burkey was a national leader in blended and competency-based learning, helping position his district as an early adopter of 1:1 technology. At LUDA, he continues statewide work in innovation and strategic planning, while also providing board development and executive coaching. He lives in Huntley with his wife and two children.

Contact Dr. John Burkey

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Executive Director

The Governing Board of L.E.A.S.E. seeks highly qualified applicants for the position of Executive Director. Applicants must hold a valid Professional Educator License (PEL), and both a General Administrative and a Director of Special Education Endorsement. To receive full consideration, apply by December 1, 2025.

Location: Ottawa, IL

Salary: The Board expects to offer a salary in the range of $110,000 – $165,000 along with a competitive benefits package expected to include sick leave, vacation days, personal days, health insurance, dental/vision insurance, life insurance, TRS/THIS contributions, professional membership dues, and travel expense reimbursements.

Closing Date: December 1, 2025

L.E.A.S.E Website
Position Announcement
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