D128 Gets New Superintendent

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — A former associate superintendent with Community Unit School District 303 in St. Charles has been hired as the new superintendent for District 128. Denise Hermann will replace outgoing superintendent Prentiss Lea who will be retiring.

Hermann, who will become the fifth superintendent for D128, will begin on July 1. The District 128 School Board voted in favor of picking Hermann as the district's leader during a meeting on Jan. 4.

"I am both excited and honored to join the District 128 Community High School District and the Libertyville and Vernon Hills communities,” Herrmann said. “I look forward to the opportunity to lead D128 and to become an active member of the community. Together, I know we will accomplish great things and surpass expectations for ALL of our students. I truly believe the best is yet to come.”

Hermann was selected from a pool of 35 candidates and three finalists haling from schools across the nation, according to a news release from District 128.

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“We’re thrilled to announce Denise Herrmann as our next superintendent,” said Pat Groody, president for the D128 Board of Education. “Her past experiences at some of the nation’s finest schools combined with her enthusiasm, outstanding leadership qualities and passion for educating students make her a great person to lead our district forward and to build upon the legacies of our two outstanding high schools.”

Former District 128 superintendent Dave Clough and former District 202 superintendent Linda Yonke helped with the search process, and the District 128 school board, administrators, teachers and support staff, as well as community members, were involved in the interview process and in focus groups that aided in the selection process.

“It is no surprise that the collective work and wisdom of the board and interview process participants has led to an excellent outcome," Lea said. "Dr. Herrmann is a gifted and proven education leader and educator, and she is absolutely the right person to lead and work with the D128 family to take the district to the next level.”

Hermann is currently the associate superintendent for learning and teaching with District 303. Last summer, she served as the superintendent for Roseville Joint Union High School in Roseville, California. There she oversaw decisions on the education for 10,500 students at five high schools, one alternative, one independent/online and one adult school.

For more on District 128's new superintendent, visit the District 128 website