New superintendent hired in Glen Ellyn District 89

After casting a "wide net," the search for the next Glen Ellyn Elementary District 89 superintendent ended within the district's own ranks.

Emily Tammaru, the assistant superintendent for learning, will take the helm of the district July 1. She will succeed John Perdue, who is retiring when his contract expires at the end of the school year after nearly a dozen years leading the district.

The board unanimously approved a three-year contract with Tammaru on Monday, Feb. 8, capping off a search that officially began in October and drew more than 45 applicants. She will receive a $190,000 base salary.

Her "significant understanding" of the 2,100-student district was a plus, but school board members said they also were impressed by her background in instruction. Tammaru joined the district in 2007 as principal of Briar Glen Elementary School.

Three years later, she stepped into her current role and has worked with teachers to align curriculum to new standards. More recently, she helped develop a plan to implement full-day kindergarten this school year.

"What brought her to the top was her expertise as an instructional leader," board President Mike Nelson said Tuesday. "She has a passion for learning and commitment to children."

To narrow the field of applicants, the board hired Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates, an executive search firm that recommended five candidates who advanced to interviews with the board. Parents and taxpayers also gave input on their ideal candidate through a forum and online survey.

Tammaru will become the district's fifth superintendent. Since 1959, the district has hired four superintendents whose tenures averaged 14 years. Perdue and his predecessor, Lawrence Baskin, both served 11 years.

Before joining the district, Tammaru held administrative and teaching positions in West Aurora School District 129. She has a doctoral degree in educational administration from Aurora University; a master's degree in educational leadership from Aurora; and a bachelor's degree in special education from Eastern Illinois University.