Executive Searches

Bring the right leadership into your district – efficiently, strategically, and with student-centered focus.

Finding and Supporting the Right District Leader

We conduct comprehensive executive searches to identify talented individuals capable of effectively leading educational institutions. Our aim is to discover leaders who possess the ideal blend of vision, experience, and values essential for fostering positive change and achieving organizational goals. Additionally, we provide one year of mentorship services.

Finding the right superintendent, assistant superintendent, or district-leadership role is one of the most consequential decisions a school board and team can make. At Student‑Centered Services (SCS), we apply a proven process grounded in education leadership experience, board governance knowledge, and strategic alignment so that your next hire is a partner in your vision.

  • Deep K-12 leadership and board experience: Our consultants are former superintendents, CFOs, and district leaders.
  • Customized process: We design the search around your district’s culture, goals, and strategic direction.
  • Transparent & efficient timeline: We manage the project from profile development through candidate engagement, selection, and onboarding support.
  • Student-centered lens: Every assessment is anchored in the question: “How will this leader impact teaching, learning, and student success?”

Our Executive Search Process

We meet with your board and leadership team to clarify your district’s strategic goals, leadership needs, candidate profile, and timeline.

We tap into our national education leadership network, proactively recruit strong candidates, evaluate their fit, and present a curated slate.

We manage reference checks, assist with interview protocols, facilitate board-candidate interaction, and help structure the decision timeline.

We support the selected leader’s transition into your district, including orientation materials, stakeholder communications, and 100-day check-in.

Typical Roles We Support

Whether you are searching for a superintendent, assistant superintendent, curriculum leader, or other executive-level role, we’ve got your covered.

  • Superintendent/District Leader
  • Assistant Superintendent
  • Chief Financial Officer/Business Manager
  • Director of Curriculum & Instruction
  • Human Resources Executive
  • Other senior administrative positions

Dr. Dawn Green

Director of Executive Searches, Student-Centered Services

Reach out to Dr. Dawn Green today to discuss your district’s needs, timeline, and budget. We’ll help you design a search process that brings the right leader into your organization.

Contact Us

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