Next D113 Superintendent Will Be Current Deerfield Principal

DEERFIELD, IL - Current Deerfield High School Principal Dr. Christopher Dignam has been named the next superintendent of Township High School District 113 after less than a year in his current role.

The district board made the announcement official Monday night, approving a three-year contract for Dignam to replace Dr. Daryl Herrick, who is serving in the superintendent role on an interim basis. Dignam will begin as superintendent on June 28.

“I am both excited and honored to lead the District 113 team as the next superintendent, and I look forward to living in this wonderful community, as well,” Dignam said. “I am very proud of our accomplishments as a District, and I am excited for the opportunity to work collaboratively with parents, students, and staff, as well as the communities that we serve, to ensure that all learners are provided a 21st century education that is second to none.”

Dignam, who has been principal at DHS since July 2015, previously spent three years as principal at Lane Tech College Prep on Chicago’s North Side. Before that, he was assistant principal at Lane Tech, his alma mater, for five years.

D113 School Board President Annette Lidawer lauded the selection of Dignam.

“Given the size and scope of Lane Tech, Dr. Dignam’s experience leading that organization aligns well with the expectations of a superintendent of a district of this size. We were incredibly impressed with Dr. Dignam’s in-depth programmatic knowledge, his hands-on educational approach, and his commitment to putting students first,” she said. “We have also been fortunate enough to witness firsthand Dr. Dignam’s inclusive, collaborative and interactive approach towards leadership in his role as principal of Deerfield High School.”

According to a D113 news release, Dignam was selected “following a robust search and interview process” aided by BWP & Associates, a consulting firm.

Dignam will remain DHS principal through the end of the year.

Receptions to welcome him to his new role will take place this spring at DHS and Highland Park High School, the other school covered by the district.