William Newby Superintendent of Schools

Dear Grass Lake District #36 Students, Parents, Staff and Community Partners:

I am a life-long resident of Lake County, my family and I currently live in Lake Villa. My wife, Michele, and I have two grown children, Christopher and Bethany. Christopher is married and living in Chicago with his wife Rachel. Christopher is working as a Chaplain for a hospice agency. Christopher and Rachel recently blessed us with our first grandchild, Ulysses. We are enjoying being in a support and spoil role and are fortunate to have all our family in the area. Bethany is also living in Chicago and is working for an elementary school as an EL teacher. Our final member of our family is our standard poodle, Albus Dumbledore. He is a certified therapy dog and you will see him roaming the halls with me. We are active Church members and enjoy the service opportunites our Church family and community provide.

Professionally, I began my career in education in 1995, teaching middle school science. Later, I moved to teaching high school chemistry, earth science, and biology. In 2005, I accepted my first administrative position as the Associate Principal of Waukegan High School. In 2008, I was tapped for a senior-level position in the District office where I served as Associate Superintendent in charge of operations, safety, human resources, transportation, and child nutrition.

My mission as your Superintendent is to ensure improvement in academic performance of all students while maintaining fiscal responsibility and accountability. Know that I enjoy working together with parents, staff, students, the Board of Education and the community to identify what works well in the District, what needs attention, and how these identified areas align with the current vision and strategic plan.

In order to maintain a realistic understanding of the District, I make every effort to regularly meet with all stakeholders. I achieve this through superintendent created committees, monthly superintendent forums, attending community events, and holding transparent monthly Board of Education meetings where community participation is encouraged. Additionally, I am in contact with elected officials at the local, state and federal levels, the news media, and community organizations to understand how we can help each other make the Grass Lake Community the best it can be for our children.

In closing, I would like to thank the Board of Education, staff, students, parents and the community for the confidence they have in me. I want each of you to know that I am here to serve you to the best of my ability in my capacity as Superintendent of Grass Lake Elementary School District #36.

Sincerely,

William Newby Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Grass Lake District #36