Student achieivement, integration of technology among goals for new District 76 superintendent
An educator with administrative experience in various suburban school districts has been selected as the new superintendent in Mundelein-based Diamond Lake Elementary District 76.
Bhavna Sharma-Lewis, superintendent in Riverside District 96, will replace Joseph Petrella on July 1. Petrella is in his third year but opted not to renew his contract. Sharma-Lewis was selected from 44 candidates, in part, to continue and improve on several achievement-based initiatives, as well as guide what is expected to be a multimillion dollar facilities upgrade.
"There were a number of things Dr. Sharma-Lewis was doing that convinced us she understood the best practices Dr. Petrella introduced," said Lisa Yaffe, school board president.
"A key thing the new superintendent will be responsible for is continuing the path we're on," she added.
District 76 has implemented several initiatives regarding curriculum, instruction and achievement as part of a state-mandated restructuring plan to improve performance. That plan has been accepted and approved by the state, and reading and math scores have exceeded state averages, Yaffe said. That foundation and the district's diversity are what attracted so many candidates, she added.
Sharma-Lewis said she's excited to come to District 76 because of its shared focus on "prioritizing academic excellence, supporting a collaborative professional environment and an appreciation for diversity."
Eight candidates were interviewed by the board. The three-month search process also involved the input of 200 parents and staff members, who identified the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities in District 76.
"We not only talked about wanting to improve the academic performance of the district, but we clearly had made investments to do so," Yaffe said.
Sharma-Lewis will be paid $189,000 annually.
Performance goals include revising and refining the academic program and to demonstrate overall student growth, including those enrolled in low-income, English language learners, dual language, special education and gifted areas. Other goals are to provide direction and resources for staff development and to lead the district in crafting a five-year strategic plan focused on the use of technology by teachers and students.
She also plans to continue a practice of returning to the classroom once a week to teach and connect with students and staff.
"This is a priority and part of my leadership style - I like to be visible, approachable and collaborative with students, teachers, parents and the community," she said.
Sharma-Lewis has served as superintendent in Riverside District 96 for two years. Before that, she was superintendent for three years in Harrison District 36 in Wonder Lake. She was assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in Addison District 4, an elementary principal in Elmhurst and Skokie school districts and assistant principal in Woodland District 50 in Gurnee. She began her career as a classroom teacher District 93 in Carol Stream.