New Roselle Dist. 12 superintendent eager to start

An administrator with Batavia Unit District 101 says she's looking forward to becoming the next superintendent of Roselle Elementary District 12.

Melissa Kaczkowski, District 101's assistant director of student services, was picked earlier this month to succeed District 12 Superintendent Lori Bein, who is slated to start July 1 as superintendent of Arlington Heights Elementary District 25.

“Throughout the interview process, it became clear to me that District 12 is a very people-centered district that is passionate about their commitment to students,” Kaczkowski said Wednesday in an email to the Daily Herald.

“As the interview process progressed,” she added, “it began to feel like a perfect fit in terms of the goals and values of the district and my skills, experiences and values as a person and as an educator.”

District 12 school board members on April 8 approved a three-year contract with Kaczkowski. She will receive a base salary of $150,000 during the first year.

Kaczkowski is going to work part-time with District 12 as part of a transition period in May and June. She's scheduled to start full-time with the district on July 1.

In her new position, Kaczkowski will oversee District 12's two facilities — Spring Hills School and Roselle Middle School.

“I believe that our greatest resource is our people and our greatest responsibility is to our students,” she said. “I am honored to serve the students, staff and families in this role and continue the great work that has been taking place in the district.”

Kaczkowski has 27 years experience in education. Before becoming an assistant director of student services for District 101 two years ago, she worked for six years as an elementary school principal with the district.

Prior to joining the Batavia school district, Kaczkowski was an assistant principal, a student service coordinator and a special-education teacher.

Bein said she's “thrilled” by the school board's decision to hire Kaczkowski.

“She (Kaczkowski) is someone who is going to continue to move Roselle District 12 forward in curriculum,” Bein said, “as well as be a great leader and supporter of teaching and learning.”