New Superintendent Chosen In Northbrook District 28

NORTHBROOK, IL — There will soon be a new superintendent in Northbrook District 28. With Dr. Larry Hewitt set to retire in June 2022, Jason Pearson will come aboard in the position following an announcement from the board of education.

Pearson will become superintendent officially on July 1 next year. He comes to Northbrook from St. Charles Community Unit School District 303, where he spent the last 11 years, including the past four as superintendent.

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“Dr. Pearson impressed the board with his professionalism, honesty and passion as a forward-thinking educational leader,” Board President Tracy Katz Muhl said in a news release.

Pearson began his career as a music teacher, teaching students K-12 during his tenure. He was a K-8 principal for six years and a middle school principal for four years in Tennessee. He joined St. Charles District 303 in 2010 and was an area superintendent for grades 6-12 for nearly six years. Dr. Pearson was promoted to deputy superintendent for one year before he was named superintendent of schools in July 2017. He earned his doctorate in educational leadership and organizational policy from Vanderbilt University.

“Northbrook School District 28 has developed a legacy of excellence for its commitment to educating the whole child,” Pearson said in accepting the position. “I look forward to joining the Board and staff in serving the students and families in this wonderful community.”

Pearson was selected after a comprehensive search conducted by School Exec Connect, according to the news release. The firm used an online survey and focus groups within the District 28 community to develop a superintendent profile. Candidates who most closely aligned to the profile were screened and interviewed. A total of 36 candidates, all external, applied.

The candidates were diverse personally and professionally; a mix of male and female; in-state and out-of-state, Muhl said. The board interviewed seven candidates and narrowed the pool to three. The finalists were interviewed by three teams, one each of administrators, staff and parents. The board reviewed feedback forms submitted from the interview teams, then heard a presentation and had an in-depth interview with each finalist.
“It was surprisingly clear that there was one candidate that all seven board members agreed upon who met all of the factors of our candidate profile. The Board was really impressed with Dr. Pearson’s answers to our questions, and his use of experience, evidence and data to problem-solve and recommend change,” Muhl said.