Dist. 45 hires new superintendent

District 45 has tapped a Chicago Public Schools administrator to become the Villa Park-based elementary school system's next superintendent.

The school board Monday unanimously approved a three-year contract for Chicago Area One Instruction Officer Janice M. Rosales to succeed William Schewe, who retires June 30 after 12 years with District 45.

In her first year, Rosales will be paid $165,000 plus retirement contributions and health insurance.

"She comes to us with a wealth of experience," District 45 board President Linda Nystrom said. "Her vision and passion for education was apparent."

Rosales started her career in education in 1973 as an elementary teacher in Chicago. She became principal at Helen C. Peirce School of International Studies in 1985. During her 17 years at the post, the students' test scores improved, faculty retention improved and major building renovations occurred.

Nystrom said she was impressed by Rosales' obvious understanding of students' needs after visiting Peirce.

"She has traveled to other countries through exchange programs," Nystrom said. "She has not only experienced those cultures in her schools but she has lived those cultures."

She has participated in the William Fulbright Administrator Exchange Program in England and Argentina.

In 2002, she became area instruction officer, which is equivalent of assistant superintendent in other districts.

She was responsible for improving instruction in 39 schools, including overseeing faculty training, curriculum, instruction budgets for Area One's nearly 32,000 students, 1,730 teachers, 935 support staff and 98 administrators.

"Rosales' people spoke highly of her," Schewe said. "I'm very confident she'll do a wonderful job."

Rosales is looking forward to the opportunity.

"I feel fortunate and honored to be selected," she said. "As I talk to people, I am more and more intrigued and admire the work that's being done here. They're working on things that really count.

She continued, "It was a good match: with my skills and abilities and what they're looking for."

Rosales has a bachelor's degree in education, a master's degree in Spanish and a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies.

She officially starts July 1 but will attend board meetings and visit schools in the meantime.