Kevin Buscemi Named Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning

Collaboration is a word Kevin Buscemi invokes often as he describes the 11 years he has spent as part of the ‘team’ in North Palos School District 117.

“We all work together and it’s really easy to buy into that ‘team’ concept,” he said. “Everyone here has such focus and determination and an unrelenting drive to see kids succeed.”

Mr. Buscemi was recently named Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. He begins his new position on July 1.

Buscemi, who has served in numerous positions during his tenure in the district, most recently served as the district’s director of recruitment and retainment. He has also served as a math teacher at Conrady Junior High School; a math and science team leader at Glen Oaks and Oak Ridge schools; assistant principal at Oak Ridge and then three years as principal at Oak Ridge, which led to being recognized as a Model PLC School and winning a National Blue Ribbon Award.

“We have such a great staff,” he said. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with so many amazing people in so many buildings here. Watching the growth of this staff is one of the highlights of working here.”

Mr. Buscemi said student achievement is the focus. But he added it is more than simply test scores. “What it comes down to is changing the trajectory of the lives of our kids,” he said. “Education changes lives. I wake up every day realizing that.”

He said Oak Ridge winning the Blue Ribbon Award “was one of the greatest things that I have been a part of in my life.”

“But (the award) is not the reason I get up each morning and go to work,” Buscemi said. “Rather it’s doing whatever it takes to make sure that all of our students learn and grow at unbelievably high levels. That is what is most important.”

Mr. Buscemi grew up in Evergreen Park and now resides in Clarendon Hills. He enjoys traveling, playing guitar and listening to live music. He is also a huge fan of both the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs.