Superintendent Search

Dear District 118 Communities,

The future success of District 118 depends on strong leadership, exceptional educators and staff, engaged families, and communities committed to the success of every student. One of the most important responsibilities entrusted to the Board of Education is selecting the next Superintendent of Wauconda Community Unit School District 118. It is a responsibility we approach with humility, great care, and an unwavering commitment to what is best for our students and our district.

District 118 is a special place because of its people. Every day, our teachers, support staff, administrators, students, families, and community members work together to create opportunities that help our students learn, grow, and succeed. As we begin this search, the Board is committed to identifying a leader who will build upon our strengths, support our outstanding staff, and help guide District 118 into its next chapter.

To assist with this important work, the Board has partnered with Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), an experienced educational leadership search firm based in Arlington Heights, to guide the search and help identify the best leader for our district.

Your Voice Matters

The best decisions are made by listening and learning.

Therefore, this search has been designed to give staff, students, families, and community members meaningful opportunities to share their perspectives through focus groups, interviews, and an online survey. Your experiences and perspectives will help shape the Leadership Profile presented by HYA to the Board of Education on October 15, 2026, ensuring our superintendent search reflects the needs, values, and aspirations of all of our  District 118 communities. 

The Board of Education recognizes the significance of this decision and is committed to carefully considering the feedback we receive throughout the search. While the Board is responsible for selecting the next superintendent, this process will be strengthened by the voices of the people who know and care about District 118.

I encourage every member of our District 118 communities to participate. Every voice contributes to a stronger process and a stronger future for District 118.

Every voice matters. Every perspective strengthens this process. Together, we can help shape the future of District 118. 

Superintendent Search Timeline

• August 7, 2026: Our Superintendent search page posting is advertised and promoted by HYA; Superintendent search webpage is launched on District 118 website

• August 4 through September 17, 2026: Stakeholder Input: 

How Stakeholders Can Get Involved:

• Online Community Survey: Open from September 8 to September 21, 2026. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts on the survey link posted on our website.

• District Staff Meetings:

  • Google Meet Session: September 16, 2026

  • In-Person Session: September 17, 2026

• Community Meetings:

  • Google Meet Session: September 16, 2026

  • In-Person Session: September 17, 2026

• Focus Groups (Aug 4 – Sept 17): Invitations are going out to administrative teams, community leaders, parent groups, union leaders, and high school students.

The search firm will share a Leadership Profile Report with the Board on October 15, 2026.

• September 8-21, 2026: Online Community Survey is open

• October 15, 2026: Leadership Profile Report is presented to the Board of Education

• October 30, 2026: Application Deadline

• November 5, 2026: Interview workshop & final stages of search; Candidate slate presented to Board

• Week of November 8, 2026: Initial interviews with Board; Board identifies semi-finalist candidates

• Week of November 15, 2026: Semi-finalist interviews with Board; Board identifies preferred candidate

• Early December 2026: Target for public announcement of selection

• July 1, 2027: Superintendent assumes responsibilities

Throughout this process, Dr. Todd Leden and Dr. Brian Wegley will continue serving as Interim Co-Superintendents through June 30, 2027. On behalf of the Board of Education, I thank them for their steady leadership and continued dedication to our students, staff, and communities during this transition.

As we move through this process, I am confident we will identify a superintendent who will build upon our district's strong foundation and help lead District 118 into an even brighter future. We invite you to remain updated on this important process at our D118 Superintendent Web Page.

Thank you for your partnership and for taking the time to participate in this important process. We look forward to you informing the Leadership Profile of our next Superintendent and working together as we shape the future of District 118.

Respectfully,

Vincent J. Torossy
President, Board of Education
Wauconda Community Unit School District 118

Interested applicants can access HYA's Superintendent Search Page for District 118.