D181 Admin Promoted to Assistant Superintendent for Learning

Kevin Russell is on the move again.

The District 181 Board of Education approved by a 5-1 vote Monday night the appointment of Russell to the post of assistant superintendent for learning after the former Walker School principal served one year as director of curriculum, assessment and instruction.

Effective July 1, Russell will replace Janet Stutz, who will leave to become superintendent of Orland School District 135.

READ: Janet Stutz Leaving D181 for Orland Superintendent Job

Russell talked about his approach to the new position after Monday night's meeting at Elm School.

"I think when you look at what’s on the horizon with the Common Core, with our advanced learning plan, which is really raising the bar for all kids," Russell said, "my goal in this position would be to give administrators, teachers, principals, parents and of course students everything they need to be successful with all these new initiatives."

When asked if he thinks he'll feel extra scrutiny in his new role while implementing the much-discussed advanced learning plan, Russell answered by saying he thinks every education job in 2013 has challenges and rewards. 

"There will be challenging times ahead whenever you’re implementing a whole new set of standards, but I’m looking forward to the challenge and to serving the district in a greater capacity," he said.

Superintendent Renée Schuster said in a district release that Russell is "an outstanding leader" who she thinks will succeed in the new role.

"[Russell] has a multitude of talents and a commitment to excellence and will continue to serve this community well," the superintendent said.

For Russell, who lives in Lisle with his wife Melissa and their six children, the assistant superintendent post will be position No. 4 since he began working for District 181 in 2007 as assistant principal at Walker. He was promoted to principal in 2008, then to his current director role in 2012. 

READ: Walker School Principal Promoted to New D181 Administrative Position

Yvonne Mayer was the lone board member to vote against Russell's hiring. She said she thinks Russell is a "wonderful" administrator, but does not have the experience or training to take over the assistant superintendent role.