District 214 Names Co-Interim Superintendents

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — The search for a new superintendent at Township High School District 214 will continue as two veteran administrators have been hired to temporarily assume the role next month. According to the district, retired superintendent Kenneth Arndt and Lazaro Lopez, current District 214 associate superintendent, will share duties when David Schuler steps down in February.

Schuler, who has been at the helm for the past 17 years, is set to take over as executive director of AASA, the national School Superintendents Association.

In making the decision to have co-superintendents, the board of education noted this arrangement has worked in other districts when a vacancy has occurred during the school year. The district is hoping to announce a new hire in April.

"We are confident that the skills and abilities of Dr. Arndt and Dr. Lopez will provide the continuity needed during this period of transition," Board President Bill Dussling said.

District 214, headquartered in Arlington Heights, is the second-largest high school district by enrollment in Illinois. It serves most of Wheeling Township and Elk Grove Township, as well as a portion of Palatine Township.

Arndt brings more than 45 years in education as a social studies teacher, school administrator, and district superintendent in the Northwest and West suburbs. He led Algonquin-based Community Unit School District 300 from 2001 to 2011 as its superintendent before retiring and since has served as a consultant, adjunct professor, and interim superintendent for District 300 and Elgin-based School District U-46. The district said Arndt will be the primary point of contact for parents and community members and serve as the superintendent of record for state and federal compliance purposes.

Lopez has served District 214 for 23 years. Before working in education, Dr. Lopez served in the military and private sector. He taught at Hersey High School and was principal of Wheeling High School, where he was named the Illinois Principal of the Year. Since 2013, Lopez has served as 214’s associate superintendent for teaching and learning. According to the district, he will continue these duties, while serving in the new role. Lopez will primarily focus on daily operational activities and leading initiatives already in progress.