D-181 Picks New Finance Official

CLARENDON HILLS, IL — District 181's top finance official is retiring, so the school board picked a replacement Monday, according to a news release. The district serves elementary and middle school students in Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills.

Rick Engstrom is set to become the assistant superintendent of business and operations effective July 1. He will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of current Chief Financial Officer Mohsin Dada.

Engstrom comes to District 181 from Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202, where he served as director of finance and then assistant superintendent of business and operations. Before his six years at District 202, he was chief school business official at Big Hollow School District 38 in Ingleside, and a fifth-grade teacher and union president at Channahon School District 17.

“Mr. Engstrom’s skills and leadership qualities will be a major asset to our district,” District 181 Superintendent Hector Garcia said in a statement. “We look forward to having him continue the level of excellence that has been in place in our business office over the last few years.”

In a statement, Engstrom said it would be a privilege to join such a "standout administrative team and carry on the legacy of Mr. Dada’s strong financial management.”

In the news release, the board and administration said it extended its gratitude to Dada for his years of accomplishments and contributions to the district. Dada has spearheaded the oversight of the district's annual operating budget since 2017. The District 181 business office has received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for 17 consecutive years from the Association of School Business Officials International, the release said.