Leadership Matters - January 2013

Westerhold Profile ————————————————————————————

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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

“ 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

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

“She plants seeds, sets the direction and then she allows you to do your job. She is always on top of what’s

the second shift. I am fortunate because my

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

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,

happening, but she doesn’t micromanage.” Des Plaines Associate Superintendent Paul Hertel

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