South Dakota's Mike Hanson Takes Over District 204

JOLIET, IL — More than 7,000 teenagers started class this week at Joliet West High School and Joliet Central High School and one thing is different this school year. For the first time since 2010, Cheryl McCarthy is no longer superintendent of Joliet Township High School District 204.

McCarthy, who worked in District 204 since 1986 when she began as a math teacher, retired in June. Now, a long-time educator from South Dakota is getting acclimated to his new surroundings in Joliet. Mike Hanson is starting his first year as District 204 superintendent.

Hanson had spent the previous eight years as superintendent of the Hill City School District, which is located near Mt. Rushmore. The Black Hills are a world-famous tourist destination. During a recent interview at the District 204 administrative offices, Hanson explained that he is finishing his 25th year in public education, all of which were spent in South Dakota.

Patch asked Hanson why he pursued the superintendent opening in Joliet.

"I felt now was the time for more challenges," he said, adding that his youngest of his three children is involved with dance and the Joliet area "has so many opportunities for her here."

Prior to taking the job, Hanson said, he had also met several Will County and suburban Chicago superintendents over the years and "they all talked highly of Joliet."

Patch asked Hanson about his priorities for the students of Joliet West and Joliet Central.

"I really enjoy leveraging technology," he explained. "I want to optimize that academy structure here. Here it's career-oriented, trades and college degrees."

How does Hanson want people around Joliet to view him?

"I'm a great listener," Hanson said. He added that he "wants to bring a team concept. I felt this area was a great fit to work together to continue improvement."

Overall, Hanson said he maintains a "listen, learn and lead philosophy" that he hopes becomes evident as he gains experience overseeing District 204.

In the coming weeks, Hanson said he will continue to visit several classrooms and walk the halls at Central and West as part of his effort to conduct listening sessions with administrators and faculty across District 204.

"Joliet's presence as an innovative district is what's so exciting and so well known," Hanson told Joliet Patch.

At the time of his hiring last December, Hanson signed a three-year contract with the District 204 School Board. Patch asked him whether he hopes to stay longer than that or whether he views District 204 as a stepping stone to perhaps another large school district elsewhere.

Hanson noted that his youngest daughter is starting eighth grade at Troy Community Schools and his family is not fond of making large scale out of state moves.

After all, he had stayed with the Hill City School District for eight years as superintendent before his hiring as Joliet's new superintendent, he noted.

"We like to put down roots," Hanson told Patch.

For details about Hanson's salary and fringe benefits with District 204, read this April article published by Joliet Patch.