New Superintendent Hired From Within In Deerfield District 109

DEERFIELD, IL — The Deerfield District 109 Board of Education unanimously approved an assistant superintendent to take over as head of the district to take over for its departing superintendent. Effective July 1, Anthony McConnell will succeed Superintendent Michael Lubelfeld, who is headed to North Shore District 112 in Highland Park, the district announced. The board made the decision to promote from within following an "exhaustive search with numerous rounds of screening" and interviews with teachers and parents.

The district said McConnell's appointment shows that the board and the community believe the district is "on a trajectory of excellence that must continue."

McConnell is currently the assistant superintendent of teaching, learning and innovation. He has spent five years with the district, starting in 2013 when he was named assistant principal of Walden Elementary School, according to the district. The following year, he became principal of Kipling Elementary, where he led the school to a Blue Ribbon Award during his tenure in charge between 2014 and 2017.

The board credited him with launching the district's strategic plan, saying he understands the direction the district hopes to head.

The Deerfield Review reported that the district managed to save $20,000 by having its assistant superintendent for human services carry out the hiring search.

Despite his familiarity with the district, McConnell told the paper he still has a lot of people to meet.

"I want to get out and talk to the principals, teachers and with groups in the community. I want to have an entry plan that’s as robust as someone who would come in new to the district," he said.

Candidates from around the country were interviewed for the position, which brings a salary of $200,000.

Board member Scott Kluge said McConnell was the widespread choice following meetings with many candidates, according to the Review.

“Everyone wanted to work with you," Kluge told the new superintendent.

» Read more from the Deerfield Review