Dist. 57 names new assistant superintendent of finance
Mount Prospect School District 57 has named former Lincoln Middle School principal Jason Kaiz as assistant superintendent of finance and operations, replacing Adam Parisi, who has accepted a position in another district.
Kaiz, who served as Lincoln principal from 2012 to 2016, is currently principal of Springman Middle School in Glenview District 34. He also has been an assistant principal in District 34 and has served as both assistant and interim business manager in Glencoe District 35.
Kaiz is certified as a Chief School Business Official (CSBO). He received his bachelor's in elementary education and master's in educational leadership from DePaul University.
Kaiz has extensive knowledge of school district finance, and leveraged this skill set by contributing to the recent successful passage of a $119 million building bond referendum in District 34, according to assistant superintendent of teaching and learning Mary Gorr, who will become superintendent upon the July 1 retirement of Elaine Aumiller.
Gorr adds that Kaiz also provides leadership on District 34's Citizens Finance Advisory Committee, which is comprised of district leaders, parents and community stakeholders and is charged with providing financial forecasting insight and recommendations for the school board.
"Jason has 18 years of school and district-level administration experience and possesses the knowledge and skills to effectively lead finance and operations for District 57," she says.
"He has a history of mobilizing continuous, systems-level improvements, and he has a drive to serve students, families and the community."
Aumiller agrees that Kaiz is a great fit for the important administrative role, noting his effectiveness as a District 57 principal.
"He played an integral role in the increase of weekly math minutes for middle school students and was an outstanding contributor to our administrative team," she says.
Kaiz says he is excited for the opportunity to return to Mount Prospect.
"This is a district where I have such a strong connection. I look forward to being able to support the students, staff, parents and community from the business office," he says.
According to Aumiller, Parisi, who has been with District 57 for five years, has provided financial expertise and guidance and played a key role in carefully allocating resources and strategically planning for the maintenance of the facilities.
"We wish him well in his new role," she says.
The school board approved the contract for Kaiz at its meeting on May 20. The board also approved the contract for Danielle Dillon, current Lions Park assistant principal, who will become principal of Westbrook School for Young Learners. She replaces Kristin Vonder Haar, who has been named assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, replacing Gorr. The administrative changes take effect July 1 when Aumiller retires.
"I couldn't be happier with the administrative team that will be in place as I become superintendent," Gorr says. "I'm so thankful to Dr. Aumiller for her strong leadership and for building a solid foundation that positions us well for the future."
District 57 serves approximately 2,230 prekindergarten through eighth-grade students in Mount Prospect.