New Assistant Supt of Student Support/Development at District 230

With an eye on the future, Consolidated High School District 230 continues to make incremental adjustments to its administrative structure, aimed at aligning administrative positions to the Strategic Framework goals and to strategically prepare for the future.

The Board of Education recently appointed current Director of Special Programs Charles Ovando as Assistant Superintendent of Student Support and Development.

This position is rooted in the job description of Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, currently held by Dr. Kim Dryier, who announced her departure from District 230 as of June 30, 2024.

The revamped direction of this position will be more accountable to systems of support and intervention versus day-to-day management of the programs. The role will also leverage data to continuously improve programs of support as well as engage in collaborative leadership of professional learning in the district.

The achievement gaps and population growth of several subgroups, namely English Learners, low income and special education students, continue to pose a challenge and warrant an analysis of our programming to ensure we are innovative in addressing student needs with the most effective and sustainable practices.

Ovando said, “I am passionate about creating academic environments where all students feel they belong and are equipped with the tools and strategies needed to learn at a high level. It takes a village to provide a comprehensive system of supports and enrichment that is responsive to the needs of all learners and that positions each of them to reach their potential. I look forward to championing the work that empowers our students and educators to make that system as effective as it can be.”

Superintendent Dr. Robert Nolting says, “Charles is English Language certified, experienced with professional support programming, and is ‘next level' at data analysis in order to both diagnose and address gaps. He is a respected leader who builds consensus and empowers his team. I look forward to adding him to this cabinet level position.”

For the past four years, Ovando has served as Director of Special Programs, overseeing the district’s EL program, professional development, and consolidated grants. He joined the District 230 team in 2014 as the Division Chair for Social Studies, World Languages and Art and has worked in both Stagg and Sandburg high schools. Prior to his work in D230, Ovando served as a Social Studies teacher and Division Chair at York High School In Elmhurst. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, a master’s in Teaching from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais and a second master’s degree in School Leadership from Concordia University Chicago.