New Superintendent Appointed For District 58

DOWNERS GROVE, IL -- The Downers Grove Grade School District 58 announced that it has appointed a new superintendent to take over Dr. Kara Cremascoli's job when she leaves at the end of the school year. Board members unanimously voted to appoint Dr. Kevin Russell during a special meeting that was held Monday evening.

Russell, who will begin his term as superintendent on July 1, is currently serving as superintendent of Chicago Ridge School District 127.5. Russell has been superintendent there since 2014, after working as assistant superintendent at District 181 in Clarendon Hills and serving as principal and assistant principal at Walker Elementary School and Clarendon Hills Middle School respectively.

It's fitting that Russell will be working as superintendent of District 58. That's just where he started his career in education when he got his first job as a social studies teacher.

In a statement, Russell said he is "truly honored and excited to return home to District 58 to serve as superintendent of schools.”

He added, “I look forward to working with the dedicated staff, the Board of Education, parents and community members to build on the strong traditions of the district, implement the Strategic Plan, and help all students reach their fullest potential.”

Russell was chosen from more than three dozen candidates considered for the District 58 position.

He currently lives in Lisle with his wife, Melissa, and their seven kids.