District 214 promotes administrator, hires business chief

Northwest Suburban High School District 214 has promoted a longtime administrator to second-in-command and hired a new chief school business official.

Kate Kraft, currently the associate superintendent for human resources, was named to the newly created deputy superintendent position. Justin Attaway, chief operating officer for St. Charles Unit District 303, will be District 214’s new associate superintendent for business services. The appointments take effect July 1.

Kraft will maintain many of her HR responsibilities in the new role, which has included serving as the school board’s lead negotiator during collective bargaining with unions, overseeing performance evaluations of principals and handling employee grievances.

But she will also now be a key adviser to Superintendent Scott Rowe in support of the district’s strategic vision, policies and initiatives, and represent him in his absence to ensure continuity of leadership and decision making, according to an updated job description the school board approved late last week.

Kraft is expected to spend more time in the district’s six schools and work closely with principals in her new position.

“Kate has been a pillar of leadership in District 214 for over 15 years, demonstrating an exceptional ability to build relationships, support staff and create opportunities for students,” Rowe said. “Her experience, passion and hands-on approach make her the ideal choice for deputy superintendent. I look forward to continuing to work alongside her to support our schools and staff.”

Before becoming associate superintendent in 2020, Kraft led the district’s specialized schools programs and was associate principal for operations at Elk Grove and Wheeling high schools.

Attaway has been with District 303 since 2021, and previously was business manager in Skokie-Morton Grove Elementary District 69 and director of operations for Glenview Elementary District 34.

He’ll be paid $230,000 in his new role in District 214.

Attaway replaces Tim Keeley, hired in 2023 but who previously announced his resignation effective June 30.