The Community High School District 94 Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kurt Johansen as the new Superintendent, effective July 1.
The selection process, conducted in collaboration with BWP & Associates search firm, began with a comprehensive presentation by BWP in October 2023, and the recruitment of qualified candidates. Approximately 35 qualified candidates applied and were vetted by BWP based on a profile developed through Board, faculty/staff, student, parent, and community input. Following the evaluation of the candidate pool, the Board of Education interviewed 6 exceptional candidates, ultimately narrowing the field to 3 finalists. These finalists engaged with a stakeholder advisory group to ensure community input was integral to the decision-making process. The Board then interviewed each of the three finalists twice, before arriving at a unanimous decision.
Dr. Johansen, currently serving as the Principal of South Elgin High School, emerged as the standout candidate. With over 20 years of experience in education, including his roles as a Special Education Teacher, Dean of Students, and Assistant Principal, Dr. Johansen brings a wealth of knowledge, honed skill sets, and a deep commitment to academic excellence.
A brief overview of Dr. Johansen's educational background includes:
Throughout his tenure as an educator, Dr. Johansen has consistently demonstrated a passion for learning; building meaningful relationships with faculty/staff, students, parents, and community; and a focused dedication to the success of students. As Principal of South Elgin High School, he has overseen a large comprehensive suburban high school, successfully leading initiatives to enhance academic achievement and foster a positive learning environment.
"On behalf of Community High School District 94 and its Board of Education, we congratulate and welcome Dr. Kurt Johansen as our new Superintendent. Dr. Johansen has a passion for ensuring that all students are encouraged and enabled to reach their highest potential. He has spent his career working in very diverse environments and places a high value on being open and transparent. He will help to build bridges of trust in and around our school community.
I want to thank the members of the Board of Education for the many hours of careful deliberation they put into the Superintendent search process. I also want to thank the Community High School District 94 faculty, staff, students, parents, and community for the important input they provided in the search process." said Bob Brown, President of the CHSD94 Board of Education.
Dr. Johansen expressed his enthusiasm about the new role, stating, "I am honored to serve as your next Superintendent and I look forward to working alongside all stakeholders within District #94 to provide a clear direction and focus that will serve our students for many years to come, while preserving and honoring the rich tradition of the greater West Chicago Community. I would like to thank the board of education for not only providing me with this incredible opportunity, but for your high level of professionalism throughout this process.”
Dr. Johansen will officially assume his role on July 1, 2024. The Board of Education is confident that under his leadership, CHSD94 will continue to thrive, create new opportunities for faculty/staff professional development, new and engaging learning opportunities for students, work closely with our Associate Districts, and thus provide exceptional, comprehensive, curricular and co-curricular experiences for all students.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact Brittney Walker, Communications & Community Relations Coordinator, at (630)876-6215.
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