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Jill Gildea will take over her responsibilities on July 1, the Board of Education announced Thursday morning.
“Jill is everything we want and more," school board Chairman Peter Sherr said during the special meeting approving her selection. "We're lucky to have you."
Currently Superintendent of Schools for Fremont School District 79 in Mundelein, Ill., Gildea was selected after a national search in a process led by Ray and Associates. There were 67 final applications that was winnowed down to seven.
In brief comments to the board and others who gathered at the board of education building, Gildea said she was attracted by the school board's strategic vision and plan.
"It is an amazing an exemplary district," she said. 'I thought this is the place I want to be."
The board in a statement said that Gildea has a "proven track record in managing school districts using data-driven decision-making and sound fiscal practices, working collaboratively with staff and parent groups, as well as with local township governments to fund educational needs."
"Confirmed in reference checks conducted by each Board member, Dr. Gildea exhibited a superior knowledge base of personalized learning and drivers of student achievement," said search committee chair Laura Erickson. "This knowledge base, combined with her experience, communication skills and extensive professional credentials set her apart from other qualified candidates."
Dan Domenech, executive director of the American Association of School Administrators, said she is an exceptional choice.
"Jill Gildea is an outstanding educational leader and a champion for children and public education," he said. "She will work closely with the Greenwich Board, staff, parents, students and the community at large to maintain and improve the high quality of education that has been a hallmark of that school system."
Gildea’s entry plan will include time in the district before her July 1 start date.
Sal Corda, interim superintendent, said, “I will do all that I can to ensure a smooth transition. I have really enjoyed my time in this exceptional District and offer my congratulations to Dr. Gildea.”
Gildea and her husband, Greg Gildea, have four children (three adult children and one that will attend Greenwich High School), two dogs and look forward to participating in the work and life of the Greenwich community.
During her 29-year career in education, she has held administrative positions of superintendent for 10 years, assistant superintendent, educational programs director, curriculum director, high school division administrator, elementary principal, and has taught at the middle and high school settings.
She was a 2014 Finalist for the National Association of School Superintendents’ Superintendent of the Year Award; the National School Public Relations Association’s 2013 Golden Achievement Award in Communications recipient, and has received the Illinois Association of School Business Officials’ Meritorious Budget Awards in Financial Budgeting for five years running (from 2012 to 2016.)
Gildea received her superintendent's endorsement from National Louis University in 2004, in Evanston, Ill., and a master of education in language and literacy also from National Louis University in 1992, a doctorate in curriculum and supervision from Northern Illinois University in 2002, and a bachelor of arts in English and Secondary Education from Bradley University in 1986.
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