District 39 Superintendent Announces Retirement Plan

WILMETTE, IL — The superintendent of Wilmette Public Schools District 39 announced his plans to retire at the end of the next school year at a Monday board meeting. Ray Lechner will retire after more than a decade as superintendent in the district that he joined in 1999 as administrator for student services, the district announced.

“This was not an easy decision for me. After 20 years in District 39, it will be hard to leave. The most rewarding part of my 33-year career will be the last 12 years as superintendent," Lechner said.

"I’ve had the pleasure to work in a community steadfastly focused on the betterment of our students with dedicated Boards of Education, committed staff, top-notch administrators, and exceptional parents," he said in a release. "Collectively, we drive our schools to excellence. I look forward to working with the next D39 leader to ensure a smooth transition.”

The president of the District 39 Board of Education announced a broad, thorough and inclusive search process to find the district's next superintendent would soon begin.

“District 39 and our entire community has been very fortunate to have Ray leading the school system since 2007," Board President Mark Steen said. "The initiatives and improvements he has spearheaded will continue to benefit the staff and children of D39 long after his departure. He leaves a strong foundation for his successor."

The board will begin interviews to assist the district with the nationwide search for its next leader in the coming weeks.

Earlier this month, Lechner announced the retirement of two other administrators. Business Manager Gail Buscemi and Administrator for Student Services Denise Thrasher will be departing at the end of this year. He said Controller Ellen Crispino will become the interim business manager and Assistant Director of Student Services Romy DeCristofaro will become interim student services administrator.