Page 17 - Leadership Matters monthly magazine template January 2013

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• Implementing a new teacher evaluation
program that put the district ahead of the curve
in implementing the education reform package
that became law in Illinois a year ago.
• Maintaining the Financial Recognition rating –
the Illinois State Board of Education’s highest
category – each of the past eight years and
attaining a bond rating of “AA+” in 2009 and
again in 2011.
“I am extremely honored and humbled to be
recognized by my peers, and although I am
extremely proud of District 62’s accomplishments
over the past eight years, I certainly cannot take
the credit in isolation,” Westerhold said. “I share
this award with a Board of Education committed to
children, an amazing group of fellow
administrators, our teachers and support staff, our
parents, our partners, our volunteers, and the
boys and girls who are served by us. All of the
arrows have to be pointing in the same direction.
Our motto is ‘Working Together for our Children’
and this is a true testament.”
The Des Plaines district includes nearly 5,000
pre-K through eighth-graders and almost a third of
them are categorized as Limited English
Proficient, about four times the state average. No
fewer than 61 different languages are spoken.
Although Westerhold prefers to deflect the
credit for the district’s achievements, those who
have worked closely with her are effusive in their
praise.
“While District 62 is not unique in our
demographic trends, Dr. Westerhold is unique in
her response,” said Board President Brenda
Murphy. “She celebrates diversity as an asset,
knowing that it allows
our students to
experience and
prepare for the
real world every
single day in school.
Dr. Westerhold
embraces the
challenge to make an
important impact on
all our students, our
future leaders, and
the future of our
community.”
Westerhold has been an educator for more
than 35 years, serving as a principal, director of
curriculum and instruction and assistant
superintendent in various Illinois school districts.
Prior to being named superintendent in Des
Plaines in 2005, she served as assistant
superintendent in Valley View Community School
District 365U for four years, and Schaumburg
School District 54 for nine years.
Being a superintendent certainly has its
advantages, but there also are sacrifices that must
be made in order to be successful as the
educational leader in a community.
“I am proud of the fact that many
administrators whom I have hired or supervised
have gone on to become superintendents,”
Westerhold said. “I tell each of them that they
need to have a conversation
with their family because the
family often ends up being
the second shift. I am
fortunate because my
husband, Dr. Kenneth Cull,
also is a superintendent and
understands it, and my
daughter Emily embraces it.”
One of her current
administrators is Associate
Superintendent Paul Hertel,
(Continued from page 4)
(Continued on page 18)
“She celebrates
diversity as an asset,
knowing that it allows
our students to
experience and prepare for the real
world every single day in school.
Dr. Westerhold embraces the
challenge to make an important
impact on all our students, our
future leaders, and the future of our
community.”
Board President Brenda Murphy
“She plants seeds, sets
the direction and then
she allows you to do
your job. She is always
on top of what’s
happening, but she doesn’t
micromanage.”
Des Plaines Associate Superintendent
Paul Hertel
Westerhold Profile ————————————————————————————