Ferrari Leaves District 112 for Charter School Job

HIGHLAND PARK, IL - North Shore District 112 announced the departure of assistant superintendent Jennifer L. Ferrari Monday. She's accepted a position as Chief of Schools for the Chicago-based charter school management company Distinctive Schools.

"I am honored to contribute to the exceptional and innovative educational opportunities that DS offers its children," Ferrari said. Prior to serving as Teaching and Learning Assistant Superintendent, Ferrari had been a teacher, associate principal and a principal at District 112 with experience in dual language models and personalized learning, according to the district.

"[Ferrari] comes to us from one of the top performing school districts in the nation, and we are honored for her expertise to influence the work we do for kids in the urban neighborhoods we serve,” said Joseph Wise, Chairman and CEO of Distinctive Schools. The charter school company said Ferrari would work closely with campus leadership team to "oversee leadership development, and professional growth," and "accelerate the DS model at all Distinctive Schools managed campuses."

In a statement, the district thanked Ferrari "for her 21 years of service and dedication," noting it would "miss her tremendously" but is excited for her new opportunity to have a national impact on education.

Ferrari's departure comes on the heels of Superintendent Michael Bregy's December resignation and leaves District 112 with two vacancies among its senior executive team. Currently, Ferrari, Assistant Superintendent Monica Schroeder, and Chief Technology Officer John Petzke share the role of acting interim superintendent. A spokesman for the board said more details of the search to fill the vacancies will be revealed in the near future.