District 181 Board Approves Kevin Russell as Next Assistant Superintendent for Learning

On March 11, 2013, the Community Consolidated School District 181 Board of Education approved the hiring of Kevin Russell as the Assistant Superintendent for Learning, effective July 1, 2013. He will fill the vacancy created by Dr. Janet Stutz, who will become the Superintendent of Orland School District 135. 

Russell joined the District in 2007 as the Assistant Principal of Clarendon Hills Middle School. In 2008, he was named Principal of Walker School. He had previously worked at O’Neill Middle School in Downers Grove for seven years as a social studies teacher. Russell’s current position is Director of Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction for District 181. He serves as a co-leader on both the English Language Arts and Math Committees and is also a co-leader of the Advanced Learning Task Force. Some of the most significant accomplishments achieved this year include the unanimous approval of the Advanced Learning Plan, the streamlining of assessments and improved assessment communication, and planning for the adoption of new reading materials.

Russell’s education includes a Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a Bachelor’s degree in history. He also has a certificate in educational leadership and expects to complete his doctorate in educational leadership in May of 2014.

“I am honored to be selected for the position of Assistant Superintendent for Learning,” said Russell. “This is a phenomenal school district, and I am eager to sustain the work of continually improving our students’ educational experience. We have an outstanding staff, dedicated families and supportive community that make District 181 a destination school system.” Russell lives in Lisle with his wife Melissa, a former teacher, and their six children: Kylie, 8; Ty, 7; Ally, 5; Brooke, 3; Caden 2; and Sullivan, six months. 

Superintendent Dr. Renée Schuster commented, “Kevin Russell is an outstanding leader that I am confident will succeed in his new role. He has a multitude of talents and a commitment to excellence and will continue to serve this community well.”

Schuster and Russell agree that there are challenges ahead with the implementation of Common Core State Standards, a new state assessment to replace the Illinois Standards Achievement Test and execution of the District’s Advanced Learning Plan starting in 2013-14. “Education across the country is evolving rapidly,” Russell said, “and District 181 is moving with it. Our planning has put us ahead of the changes that all school districts will be managing. It is an exciting time, filled with opportunity that will mean an even brighter future for our students.”

A posting for the position of Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment will be made immediately, Dr. Schuster said.