Dist. 211 names new superintendent
She's spent 28 years working at Palatine-Schaumburg High District 211, and starting in January Nancy Robb will lead the state's largest high school district and its 13,000 students.
The District 211 board of education on Thursday night named Robb, the district's associate superintendent for instruction, as the successor to retiring Superintendent Roger Thornton.
"My goal is to build upon the tradition of academic excellence we have in 211," Robb said late Thursday night after the board emerged from its closed session.
The board has yet to approve a contract for Robb, but her first day will be Jan. 1. She'll become the sixth superintendent in the district's history. Robb's name has come up in connection with the superintendent opening before.
"She's a great choice," said board member Lynn Davis, one of many Robb exchanged hugs with Thursday night.
Robb began working in the district in 1980 as a career counselor at Schaumburg High School. She said she and her husband moved to the district because they heard about the schools' wonderful reputations.
Robb switched positions as Schamburg's student services director from 1983 to 1990, then ascending to principal at Palatine High School, where she spent 12 years. In 2002, she moved to her current position.
The board held a closed session on Monday to conclude its search, led by consultant James Warren and confined to only candidates within the district. Board member Bill Lloyd voted as "present" when Robb's selection came up for a vote. He's said he disapproved with the board restricting the superintendent search to only district staff. The rest of the board voted in favor of Robb's selection.
"The search process improved our board's understanding of how well Dr. Robb is respected throughout District 211 for her results focused on leadership and long history of achievement," board President Robert LeFevre said. "We are happy to be able to recognize her dedication and commitment to the community."
Robb graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education and health in 1973 from Wittenberg University in Ohio. The next year, she earned a master's in education with certification in guidance and counseling from the University of Pittsburgh. She graduated in 2000 from Roosevelt University with a doctorate in educational administration and supervision.
While leading Palatine High School, the school earned accolades, including two Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Awards. The state board of education gave her the "Those Who Excel" award in 1993. While associate superintendent, she helped develop freshman, sophomore and ESL Summer Academy programs. She also aided in the creation of the Academy-North alternative school program.
"I'm excited about the opportunity to have a positive impact in a district I care about so deeply," she said.
Apparently it's the season for new superintendents. The board at Palatine Township Elementary District 15, a District 211 feeder district, on Wednesday named Ohio native Dan Lukich to secede Robert McKanna. The board at Elgin Area School District U-46 last week selected Chicago Public Schools regional superintendent Jose Torres as its new head. Like Robb, Torres was named superintendent without a contract in place.