The DeKalb CUSD 428 Board of Education has initiated the process of selecting its next Superintendent, who will continue the District's student-centered focus on growth and achievement, while advancing its forward momentum in accordance with its Core Values, Mission, and Vision. In the interest of time and efficiency, the Board has decided to conduct the search independently and will not be seeking a third-party search firm.

 Board of Education President Christopher Boyes noted, “A critical component of this process is seeking input from our families, staff, and the broader community to help build a leadership profile that outlines the professional and personal characteristics required for success in this role.” To assist in the process of building a leadership profile, all District stakeholders are invited and encouraged to participate in the D428 Superintendent Search Survey. The survey is open now through midnight (12:00 a.m.) on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. All responses are anonymous.

 In addition to responses from the survey, meetings with internal constituents and a community listening session will be facilitated to help further develop the Leadership Profile. A specific date and time for the community listening session is pending and will be publicized as soon as possible. The complete application packet is expected to be posted by November 3, 2025, at which time interested candidates will be able to submit their materials directly to the District.

“We look forward to engaging with our internal and external stakeholders throughout this process to select our next visionary leader,” said Boyes. “We encourage and welcome everyone to take advantage of opportunities to provide their feedback, helping to ensure the voices of our community are heard and represented in the final candidate selection process.”

The District has created a Superintendent Search webpage to serve as a central location for updates, timelines, and upcoming community engagement opportunities. The selection of candidates and completion of interviews are expected to take place December 2025 - January 2026, with the final candidate announced by the Board no later than its regularly scheduled March 17, 2026, Board of Education meeting.