At its August 6, 2026, board meeting, the District 54 School Board approved Dr. Jillian Sagan as the new superintendent for District 54 effective in July 2027.
The Board has been engaged in a search for superintendent since Andy DuRoss announced in January that he would retire at the end of the 2026-2027 school year. This search included community input through focus groups, forums and an online survey in the spring to help create a profile of the qualities desired in the next superintendent.
Board President Nicholas Scipione stated that Dr. Sagan’s proven leadership after 20 years in District 54 made her the ideal candidate to continue the district’s focus on high expectations, academic success and unconditional belonging.
A Letter to the D54 Community from Dr. Sagan
More than 20 years ago, I walked into Lincoln Prairie as a paraprofessional eager to support students. My younger self could never have imagined that one day I would have the privilege of leading the district that has become my second home.
I am grateful to the School Board to be given the opportunity to serve as the next superintendent. I will take on this position with humility, gratitude and an unwavering commitment to our students, staff, families and community.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in many different roles from special education teacher to administrator, in several schools, and alongside talented individuals. I’ve helped tearful kindergartners enter school for the first time and celebrated students as they received their diplomas. Those moments remind me how deeply connected this community truly is.
In a district our size, serving 15,000 students and 2,000 employees, those relationships become our most valuable resources for achieving our mission of Ensuring Student Success.
District 54 has never been content with simply being good enough. We have a proud tradition of innovation, continuous improvement, and always asking, “what more can we do for our students?” This is a legacy I am committed to protecting and strengthening.
As your superintendent, I promise to lead with integrity, to communicate openly and honestly, to bring people together, to build trust and to ensure that every decision we make reflects what is best for our children.
I deeply appreciate the mentorship and support Superintendent DuRoss has provided me over the years. While my new role doesn’t start until next year, I am eager to continue to learn from him this year as I prepare to step into this role.
Educating children is a partnership, and I look forward to strengthening that partnership for years to come.