LM Nov-Dec.2019

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12 LM Month 2019
Orzel...cont’d.
had no plans to leave Lemont-
Bromerek CSD #113A to pursue
another superintendency. However,
the position with IASA was an
opportunity she couldn’t pass up.
“When the Associate Director
of Professional Development
opportunity posted, it opened
the door for a one-time chance
in my career to do something
that I would love just as much as
being a superintendent,” Orzel
says. “It combines the best of both
worlds—working with the role of the
superintendency and providing high
quality professional development—
both of which have a great impact
on students…I truly believe it’s an
opportunity of a lifetime.”
Orzel says she plans to speak one-
on-one with superintendents across
the state to find out what professional
development they are most interested
in and what their districts could benefit
from now and in the future.
She has immense respect for the work that Dr. Voltz has
done in this role and is looking forward to building on the
foundation he has created while learning, listening and
growing future professional development opportunities for
superintendents and their districts.
“Providing high quality professional development for sitting
and aspiring superintendents is critical for the success
of our school districts,” Orzel says. “I’m grateful for this
opportunity to work with Dr. Clark, the IASA Board of
Directors and staff and superintendents across the state.”
Journey to theSuperintendency
Orzel grew up in Clinton, located about 30 minutes south
of Bloomington. She is an only child and a first-generation
college student. She earned her bachelor’s degree from
Eastern Illinois University, master’s degree from Concordia
University and doctorate from University of Illinois.
Her teaching career began at the junior high in Riverside
SD #96. She later held numerous positions at York High
School in Elmhurst CU #205
and later as an assistant
principal/athletic director in
Gower SD #62. Her next stop
was at Forest Ridge SD #142,
where she was a principal
from 2006–2013. She served
as superintendent there for
one year before taking over
at Lemont-Bromberek CSD
#113A in 2014.
Dr. Margaret Longo, the
former superintendent at
Forest Ridge SD #142,
encouraged Orzel to pursue
the top post.
“She gave me many
opportunities at the district
level to learn and grow and
that is when I realized that
I would like to aspire to the
superintendency one day,”
Orzel says.
As a superintendent, Orzel
led Lemont-Bromberek CSD
#113A out of financial watch status and worked tirelessly to
rebuild trust with the community and staff. The Illinois State
Board of Education profiled the district in its Illinois Sparks
series in a story titled,
“I’m proud of so many things in Lemont-Bromberek
CSD #113A, but I’m most proud of being part of one
of the best comeback stories in the state thanks to the
incredible students, Board, staff, parents and community in
Lemont,” Orzel says. “We stabilized the finances, returned
programming back to students, turned a vacant school
into a to become an award winning project
in the State of Illinois, and consistently created additional
opportunities every year for students to thrive. It’s a special
district with a great story—and the very best people you’ll
ever meet.”
Passion for Professional Development
Throughout her career, Orzel has sought out professional
development—including through IASA’s School for
I’m most proud of
being part of one of the
best comeback stories
in the state, thanks to
the incredible students,
board, staff, parents and
community in Lemont.