'I Am All In': New Superintendent Hired In Flossmoor School District 161

FLOSSMOOR, IL — Flossmoor School District 161’s Board of Education on Monday announced the appointment of Dr. Terrance Sanders as the district’s new Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1.

Following a highly competitive search that attracted top educational leaders, the Board unanimously selected Sanders to guide the district into its next chapter of academic excellence.

The District partnered with BWP & Associates to conduct the search, which incorporated community input gathered from stakeholder surveys and focus groups. This feedback was used to create a leadership profile identifying experience as an instructional leader, being a strong listener and communicator, being a systems thinker and an effective implementor, among other things, as important characteristics in the next leader of the District.

Dr. Sanders brings extensive leadership experience to the role, having served in district and building level positions. He most recently served as Deputy Superintendent of Academics and Leadership at San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District in Texas, building on a career as a teacher and later as a building principal at both the elementary and junior high school levels.

Notably, Sanders has distinguished himself as a data-driven leader who has developed and monitored robust, districtwide Key Performance Indicator scorecards. This accountability system effectively tracked and improved critical metrics across academic achievement, student attendance, and discipline. This experience will translate well into his new role, as District 161’s Board of Education has approved five-year goals including raising academic achievement in English Language Arts (ELA), Math, and Science for all students—while fully eliminating achievement gaps and reducing chronic absenteeism to 10 percent.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Sanders to our district," said David Linnear, Board of Education President. "We sought a leader with a unique blend of ground-level school experience and high-level systemic vision, and Sanders exceeded our expectations. His proven ability to use data-driven metrics to elevate student performance ensures our district will continue to thrive."

“I am honored and grateful to the Board of Education for the opportunity to serve as the next Superintendent of Flossmoor School District 161”, said Sanders. “Throughout this process, I have been impressed by the district's commitment to students, dedicated staff, engaged families, and supportive community. I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and working together to ensure every student thrives. The future of District 161 is bright, and I am all in.”