District 113 Names Hinsdale High Schools Chief As Superintendent

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The Township High School District 113 Board of Education unveiled its pick for its next superintendent Tuesday. The board unanimously approved a three-year contract with Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Superintendent Bruce Law, who will take over in July.

“I am honored by the opportunity the District 113 board has given me to serve this great school district, and I am eager to get to work listening to stakeholders and learning from them how together we can more fully cultivate passion, unlock potential and inspire excellence,” Law said.

Law's appointment comes after the search firm hired by the board conducted a series of 18 focus groups and a community survey to identify what people were seeking in the next superintendent, according to the district.

The board interviewed five finalists, with three taking part in a full day of interviews with groups of district stakeholders and an in-depth second interview with board members.

District 113 Board President Elizabeth Garlovsky said members were confident Law was the best choice.

"His student- centered approach that emphasizes equity and opportunity for all students, strong focus on collaborative leadership, and excellent communication skills are complemented by a deep understanding of school district operations and finance,” Garlovsky said in a release.

“During the interview process, the board observed Dr. Law’s warmth, personal integrity, thoughtful approach to decision-making, and his commitment to listening and learning from all stakeholders,” she said. “These characteristics were confirmed by all of his references, and these qualities are exactly what District 113 needs to ensure that the culture and climate in our schools supports the high-quality teaching and learning our community has come to expect.”

Law will replace co-interim superintendents Linda Yonke and Ben Martindale, who have led the district since last July following the departure of former Superintendent Chris Dignam. Garlovsky thanked Yonke and Martindale for their leadership in recent months.

“Although they have been with us only a short time, these two incredible individuals have already had a positive impact on our district," she said. "In addition to restoring morale and creating a favorable teaching and learning environment, they provided invaluable insights and expertise throughout the search process based on their time in District 113 and their previous experience as superintendents.”

After starting his career as a high school English and Latin teacher at Monroe County Community School Corporation in Bloomington, Indiana, and later becoming an administrator there, Law also served as head of school at Chicago Virtual Charter School.

Before taking over superintendent at Hinsdale High School District 86 in August 2013, Law was the district's assistant superintendent of instruction. His most recent contract with District 86, executed last September, was due to see his pay rise over a period of three years to an annual base salary of nearly $273,500 in its final year.

Law's new District 113 contract includes an annual base salary of $260,000, plus benefits including a $600 monthly car stipend, $5,000 in annual deferred compensation and covering required pensioned contributions, unlike his current contract.

“While we congratulate Dr. Law on this new opportunity and wish him the very best, we are of course sad to see him go,” said District 86 Board President Bill Carpenter.

Announcing his resignation Tuesday, Law said he would always be grateful to have spent six years as District 86 superintendent.

“Our schools are the jewels of the community, and I have had the opportunity to work with our students, teachers, parents and staff to build and enhance the tradition of excellence for which District 86 schools are so well known," he said in a release. "My commitment to District 86 will stay just as strong as ever to assure a smooth transition. I will always keep District 86 in my heart and I take comfort knowing that the district is in good hands as I look forward to my next professional opportunity.”

Law will be replaced by Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Tammy Prentiss, according to the district. He departs as District 86 heads into a nearly $140 million bond referendum in the upcoming elections after last year eliminating several major sports and dozens of activities at Hinsdale South and Hinsdale Central amid a budget shortfall.

Parents, students, community members, faculty, staff and district administrators have the opportunity to meet incoming Superintendent Law at Highland Park High School on March 5 and at Deerfield High School on March 11, according to the district.