District 39 Board Picks New Superintendent From Downers Grove

From Wilmette Public Schools: Following a thorough search process, the Board of Education of District 39 has announced that Dr. Kari Cremascoli has been selected as the District’s next Superintendent effective July 1, 2019.

Dr. Cremascoli is currently the Superintendent of Downers Grove District 58, a position she has held since 2012 as she has led teachers and staff in a period of strong student growth, while maintaining fiscal discipline. Previously, Dr. Cremascoli was at DeKalb District 428, first as Executive Director of Student Services and then as Assistant Superintendent.

Board President Mark Steen made the announcement. “We conducted a broad search and used input from many D39 community stakeholders to ensure an outstanding fit for our district. Our vote was unanimous, and we have great confidence that Dr. Cremascoli will provide strong leadership for the District 39 community,” said Mr. Steen.

Commenting on her new position, Dr. Cremascoli said, “I am honored to be selected to serve as the next Superintendent of Wilmette Public Schools. I am impressed by the incredible accomplishments of the students and staff in District 39, and by the engaged and dedicated community that supports them. What a privilege it is to be joining this amazing team!”

The search process produced 39 candidates, which the Board narrowed through three rounds of selection, including two separate interview sessions and multiple hours of informal in-person interaction before selecting Dr. Cremascoli. Additionally, a survey, open forums, staff focus groups, and a Stakeholders’ Committee informed the decision. The Stakeholders’ Committee was comprised of administrators, parents, community members, and staff representatives from the Wilmette Education Association and the Support Staff Union.

District 39 is an elementary school district serving approximately 3,600 pre-kindergarten through 8th grade students from Wilmette as well as from portions of Glenview and Winnetka.

Photo courtesy of Downers Grove School District 58