Joliet HS District Hires Assistant Superintendent

JOLIET, IL — Joliet Township High School's school board has named Dianne McDonald to fill the vacancy created when Karla Guseman was promoted to superintendent in February. McDonald will become the new assistant superintendent of educational services July 1.

McDonald will make a starting salary of $140,000 as one of the district's two assistant superintendents, the school district notified Patch.

Guseman was elevated to superintendent four months ago after former long-time South Dakota superintendent Mike Hanson was ousted halfway into his first school year on the job.

Hanson and the school board reached a separation agreement that allowed Hanson to remain on the Joliet school district's payroll until July. He was recently hired as the new superintendent at a school district in western Wisconsin.

“It has been a very busy first three months serving as the superintendent and assistant superintendent while navigating a pandemic,” Guseman said in Wednesday's statement. “I am so excited to welcome Dianne to this role. Her wealth of curricular knowledge, expertise and proven record of success will positively shape our educational programming for the future.”

According to District 204, McDonald has served as Joliet Township's high school curriculum director for science, applied life and assessment since 2011. McDonald holds a bachelor of science in biology from Loyola University and two master’s degrees in educational leadership and education from the University of St. Francis.

“JTHS has been my family for over 15 years,” McDonald said in a news release. "I am honored to serve the district and community in this role. This summer brings many challenges to our community as we plan for the different phases of re-opening. The office of educational services will continue to provide an engaging and relevant education to all students no matter what barriers this pandemic may try to put in place.”

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

$54,000 Raise, 4-Year Contract For New Supt. Karla Guseman

Joliet HS Superintendent Fiasco Costs Taxpayers Six Figures

Joliet HS Superintendent Mike Hanson Lasts 6 Months On Job