Marquardt School District 15 names new superintendent

The Marquardt School District 15 board of education has selected Lucilla Davila as the district's next Superintendent of Schools.

Davila's contract was approved at the board of education meeting on March 6. While she will officially begin her duties on July 1, Davila will be meeting regularly with Interim Superintendents Dr. Raymond Lechner and Dr. Rebecca Nelson over the coming months.

Davila has extensive experience in education, most recently serving as Chicago Public Schools' Chief of Schools in Network 8, focusing on serving elementary schools on the city's Southwest side.

Prior to that, she was a principal of a dual language immersion school in the Minneapolis Public Schools system. Her key goals were boosting enrollment while targeting low academic performance and a lack of bilingual staff. In 2014, she was the first Latina appointed to serve as an Associate Superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools. Another significant leadership accomplishment was Davila's creation of Alma Flor Ada Spanish Immersion Early Learning Academy in 2020, developing a rigorous academic program focused on authentic Spanish culture, language, and tradition.

"I am honored for the opportunity to join Marquardt School District 15 as its Superintendent of Schools," Davila said. "I look forward to working closely with our dedicated staff, passionate families and community. I'd like to thank the board of education for the privilege of leading MSD15 and ensuring our students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to become productive members of society and life long learners."

Davila attended the University of Minnesota for both her undergraduate and graduate studies. Her selection is the culmination of a months-long search process by the board of education. Davila was chosen from dozens of highly qualified candidates.

"We are grateful to have heard from so many stakeholders across our Marquardt School District 15 community during the hiring process," said Jean Randazzo, board president. "We are confident that Ms. Davila's experience and passion for education make her uniquely qualified to lead the district."

Davila will succeed Interim Superintendents Dr. Raymond Lechner and Dr. Rebecca Nelson, who have been serving in the transitional role since the start of the 2022-23 school year.