St. Charles school superintendent leaving for Northbrook job
St. Charles School District Superintendent Jason Pearson announced Tuesday he will be leaving the district to become the superintendent of Northbrook District 28 beginning July 1. He will replace Larry Hewitt, who has led the Northbrook district for 15 years and is retiring June 30.
Pearson has served as District 303 superintendent since 2017 after joining the administrative team in 2010 as an assistant superintendent and then deputy superintendent in 2016. His contract was renewed in 2019 and runs through June 30.
"I am thankful to have had the opportunity to serve with you over the past 11½ years as area assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent and, most recently, as superintendent of schools," Pearson said in a message to staff members. He also expressed his appreciation for their commitment to District 303 students and families, particularly over the past 21 months as school districts across the country have navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
St. Charles school board President Jillian Barker said the board has appreciated his service to the greater St. Charles community during his tenure.
"His calm, compassionate, student-centered leadership style has provided guidance, support, and vision for our students, staff, and families," Barker said in a news release. "We look forward to partnering with him for the remainder of the year as we work to accomplish the board goals and priorities around completing a strategic plan, developing a 'portrait of a graduate,' and engaging in an equity audit process."
The Northbrook district chose Pearson after a search process that included an online survey and focus groups; 36 external candidates applied for the position, according to news release from the school board.
"It was surprisingly clear that there was one candidate that all seven board members agreed upon, who met all of the factors of our candidate profile," school board President Tracy Katz-Muhl said in the statement. "The board was really impressed with Dr. Pearson's answers to our questions, and his use of experience, evidence and data to problem-solve and recommend change."