Special Education District of Lake County / Superintendent
Description
Superintendent
Special Education District of Lake County
The Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL) is seeking a highly accomplished, energetic professional to be the organization’s next leader. With a mission to provide "Exceptional Services for Exceptional Students by Exceptional Staff”, SEDOL serves the students in the Lake County suburbs of Chicago through programs and services to support inclusive education environments where appropriate, while recognizing the need for a full continuum of educational service options tailored to the unique needs of individual children and their families.
SEDOL's geographic area covers about 400 square miles within Lake County, Illinois, and provides educational services for approximately 500 students with moderate to very severe disabilities within 31 member districts. Additionally, SEDOL annually provides contractual and itinerant services for several hundred students and their families. With an annual budget of approximately 62 million dollars, SEDOL employs approximately 600 staff to serve children with disabilities.
SEDOL is governed through a two-tiered system – the Governing Board and the Executive Board. The Governing Board is composed of one board of education member from each member district selected by the respective board of education. It is the role of the Governing Board to establish policies to determine how member districts will cooperate to provide programs and services for students with disabilities as defined and mandated by the Illinois School Code. The Governing Board delegates to the Executive Board the authority necessary to manage functions in the day-to-day conduct of SEDOL operations.
The successful candidate needs to have a proven track record as a responsive and successful leader; must be an effective communicator; must have a deep understanding of special education law and funding and can demonstrate proven, tangible success in improving the outcomes for students with special needs. The new leader will need to be fully invested and committed to the organization’s vision for “All Learners to Lead Responsible, Productive and Healthy Lives” and to the organization’s beliefs:
- All persons shall be valued and treated with respect and dignity;
- All students can succeed;
- Students shall be educated in or as close to their home school as appropriate;
- Students shall be provided services based upon their individual needs;
- Quality educational services shall be made available to all students; and,
- Schools, families, and communities shall work cooperatively to provide and promote appropriate educational services for all students.
Application Process and Timeline
Applicants need to submit the following:
- HYA Frontline application
- Full resume
- Cover letter stating why they are seeking the job and why they will be an excellent fit for the organization
- Full contact information for three references who can be immediately contacted
Compensation
- Salary Range–$200,000-$250,000
- Regionally competitive benefit package
Applications are due on or before October 13,2025