District 47 Leader Among 'Superintendents to Watch'

CRYSTAL LAKE-CARY, IL - From Crystal Lake Elementary District 47: Crystal Lake Elementary District 47’s Dr. Kathy J. Hinz has been named among 21 superintendents around the country as a 2017-18 Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). The school leaders were selected for their effective and innovative use of communication technology and have proven to engage and inform their school communities with new communication technology tools combined with tried-and-true techniques.

To be eligible for the program, candidates must have fewer than five years of experience as a superintendent and possess dynamic, fast-paced leadership with strong communication at its core.

Dr. Hinz has served as superintendent of District 47 since June 2013. In her short tenure, she has prioritized stakeholder communications by helping to expand the district’s social media presence and supporting the launch of a new website, mobile app and mass notification system. She has also overseen and supported the launch of the district’s 1:1 Chromebook initiative for middle schoolers and the transition districtwide to Google.

“Dr. Hinz is technology savvy, possesses a love of learning, and is willing to try new things and take risks to gain efficiencies and improve delivery, especially in the areas of communications and student learning,” said Cathy Nelson, assistant superintendent of business. “She is interested in and embraces technology and is not afraid to push changes she feels will benefit the organization as a whole.”

Earlier in 2017 Dr. Hinz was named a “Woman of Distinction” by Shaw Media and received an award of merit for her active role in supporting public education by the Illinois chapter of the National School Public Relations Association.

“The Board is proud of Dr. Hinz and looks forward to her continued leadership of the District,” said board president Rob Fetzner.

Individuals on the Superintendents to Watch list will be highlighted in an NSPRA publication -- NSPRA This Week or e-Network -- and will receive a recognition certificate as well as a discount to the 2018 NSPRA seminar in Anaheim, Calif. The Superintendents to Watch program is sponsored by West, formerly known as SchoolMessenger Solutions.

For the 2017-18 NSPRA Superintendents to Watch list and more information about the program, click here.

Image via Crystal Lake Elementary District 47