Position Available:
- Superintendent, Cook County School District 130
Address:
- 5318 W. 135th Street, Blue Island, Illinois 60418
Communities Served:
- Comprising approximately 3000 students and 595 full- and part-time employees, Cook County School District 130 is a PreK-8 school district serving portions of the communities of Alsip, Blue Island, Crestwood, and Robbins.
Qualifications:
- Hold or be eligible for the Illinois Superintendent’s License
- Successful experience as a district-level leader required
Associates Assisting the Board of Education:
- David Palzet, 847-845-8166, david.palzet@schoolexecconnect.com
- Tim Shimp, 630-327-1765, tim.shimp@schoolexecconnect.com
Highlights/Recognitions/Programming:
- District 130 supports students in 12 school sites (3 Elementary Schools, 2 Intermediate Schools, 3 Middle Schools, 2 Primary Schools, 1 Early Childhood School, and the A.N.C.H.O.R Academy)
- ISBE Summative Designations: 7 Commendable Schools, 3 Targeted Schools
- Average class size: 19
Student Achievement:
Cook County School District 130 has a strong foundation built around a commitment to the whole child, equity and collaboration, high expectations, and continuous improvement. The District’s Strategic Plan focuses on three key areas: curriculum and instruction, climate and culture, and effective governance and management.
District 130 holds high expectations for student learning and works to ensure that every student has access to meaningful, rigorous, and engaging educational opportunities. The strategic plan places particular emphasis on developing literate and critical thinkers, strengthening instruction through research-based practices, expanding equitable access to programs and opportunities, and continuously improving teaching and learning.
The most recent Illinois Report Card provides an important picture of current student performance and highlights opportunities for continued growth. Across the District, students have access to advanced learning opportunities, differentiated instruction, academic enrichment, English-language services, and specialized supports. Through a coordinated approach to teaching and learning, District 130 prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed in high school, college, careers, and life.
Learning Environment:
District 130 is committed to creating learning environments that support the academic, social, and emotional development of every student. The District recognizes that student success extends beyond academic achievement and places importance on mental health, social-emotional development, strong family relationships, and preparation for each student’s next step.
The Strategic Plan calls for a trusting, collaborative, and equitable learning environment. It emphasizes healthy minds and bodies, positive and respectful relationships, responsible behavior, and meaningful engagement with families and the broader community.
District 130 offers a continuum of educational experiences from early childhood through middle school, including early childhood programming, primary, intermediate, and middle school sites, academic enrichment, English-language services, and special education. The A.N.C.H.O.R. Academy provides a specialized, student-centered setting for students who benefit from additional academic, social, and behavioral support beyond what may be available in a traditional school environment.
At its best, District 130 strives to ensure that students feel known, supported, challenged, and connected. Creating that kind of environment is central to the District’s vision for student success.
Financial Recognition:
4.0 Financial Profile Designation
High Quality Staff:
FY26 – Recognized 2,039 staff last year for achieving monthly perfect attendance
FY26 – Recognized 40 Tenured Teachers
FY26 – Recognized 21 Personnel with 10 Years of Service
FY26 – Recognized 4 Personnel with 15 Years of Service
FY26 – Recognized 19 Personnel with 20 Years of Service
FY26 – Recognized 6 Personnel with 25 Years of Service
FY26 – Recognized 2 Personnel with 30 Years of Service
Technology:
1:1 Student Devices |
The district provides a device for every student, supporting equitable access to technology at school and at home. A four-year refresh cycle helps ensure students have reliable, up-to-date devices while supporting responsible long-term planning.
Interactive ViewSonic Boards |
ViewSonic interactive boards are deployed across the district, providing teachers and students with engaging tools that support collaboration, interactive instruction, and student engagement.
Modernized Communication Systems |
The district has implemented a new VoIP phone system and installed Rauland intercom systems across all schools, improving communication, reliability, and schoolwide emergency notification capabilities.
These investments reflect the district’s continued commitment to modern technology, equitable access, effective communication, and safe learning environments.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
District 130 believes students are more likely to succeed when they feel that they belong. The District is committed to welcoming and inclusive schools where students and families are respected, individual identities and experiences are valued, and every student has meaningful opportunities to participate and thrive.
The District serves a diverse student population across several south Cook County communities, with students representing a wide range of learning, language, and individual needs. District 130 provides English-language services, a Dual Language Program, special education and Section 504 services, academic enrichment, early childhood programming, and other targeted supports designed to help students access and succeed in their education.
Equity is reflected not only in the programs the District provides, but also in its commitment to understanding and responding to the individual needs of students and families. District 130 works to build positive relationships across its school communities and create classrooms where differences are respected, student voice is encouraged, and every student can see themselves as a valued member of the District.
For a prospective superintendent, this commitment provides an important foundation: a District that recognizes its diversity as a strength and is focused on ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
Student Profile (2025):
- Demographics:
- White: 11%
- Hispanic: 65%
- African American: 22%
- Asian: 1%
- Pacific Islander: Redacted
- Two or More Races: 1%
- Special Education Students: 17%
- English Language Learners: 30%
- Low Income: 77%
- Attendance Rate: 92%
Staff Information (Current):
- Total All Employees: 595
- Full-time Equivalent Certified: 303
- Administrators: 44
- Administrators with Master’s Degree: 43
- National Board Certified Teachers: 1
- Teachers with Master’s Degrees or higher: 190
- Average Years of Teaching Experience:
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- Average Teacher Salary: $71,785
- Average Administrator Salary: $108, 835
Financial Information (FY25)
FY 2025 (2024-2025) Adopted Budget: Below are the numbers:
- FY25 Total Budget in revenue: ~ $77M
- FY25 Total Budget in expenses: ~ $79M
- FY25 Estimated Ending Fund Balance: $61M
Based on the FY 2025 AFR, the totals are the following:
- FY25 Total revenues: ~ $78M
- FY25 Total expenses: ~ $72M
- FY25 Ending Fund Balance: $68M
Union Affiliation and Contract Status:
- The Blue Island Education Association (IEA-NEA) through June 2028
- The Blue Island Educational Service Personnel Association Secretarial Bargaining Unit (Local #330) through June 2028
- The Blue Island Educational Support Personnel Association Paraprofessionals Unit (LOCAL#430) through June 2028
Salary Offered:
- Regionally Competitive
District Website:
https://www.district130.org/
Search Calendar: (The Board reserves the right to extend all dates)
- Accepting Applications Through: November 6, 2026
- Names of Selected Candidates Taken to the Board: December 15, 2026
- Superintendent Named: By January 19, 2027
- Superintendent Start: July 1, 2027
Application Process:
- Apply for the position through this Website if you are interested in this position, use this link: click here
- Please submit the required credentials through this Website.
