“She brings a strong record of instructional leadership and a deep understanding of how to build trusting partnerships with staff, students, families and the community.”
HYA is proud to share the successful completion of the superintendent search for Cary Community Consolidated School District 26, resulting in the unanimous appointment of Dr. Sarah Cacciatore as the district’s next superintendent. She will officially begin her role on July 1 following a comprehensive national search process.
The Cary Board of Education partnered with HYA after former Superintendent Brandon White announced his departure last spring. Throughout the search, the board prioritized transparency and community engagement, seeking input from teachers, support staff, administrators, parents, and community members. That feedback played a critical role in shaping the leadership profile used to evaluate candidates.
The search drew strong national interest, with 37 applicants considered. The board carefully reviewed the pool, interviewed six candidates, and ultimately selected three finalists before unanimously approving Dr. Cacciatore’s appointment.
Board President Dee Darling expressed confidence in the decision, noting that Dr. Cacciatore distinguished herself through a demonstrated commitment to instructional leadership and her ability to build strong, trusting relationships across a school community. Community engagement throughout the process ensured the board’s final decision aligned with the district’s priorities and long-term goals.
Dr. Cacciatore currently serves as Deputy Superintendent for Mundelein Elementary School District 75 and Mundelein High School District 120, a role she has held since 2023. In that capacity, she has led initiatives focused on literacy improvement, staff and leadership development, and teacher evaluation systems. She brings 23 years of experience in public education and holds a doctorate in curriculum leadership from Northern Illinois University.
Upon her appointment, Dr. Cacciatore shared her enthusiasm for joining the district and emphasized her commitment to collaborating with the board, staff, and families to continue building on the district’s strengths and advancing the goals identified in its leadership profile and strategic plan.
The Cary search reflects HYA’s structured and community-informed approach to superintendent recruitment. By facilitating stakeholder engagement, managing a rigorous candidate review process, and guiding the board through each phase of selection, HYA supported a smooth and thorough transition following a year of interim leadership.
We congratulate Dr. Cacciatore and Cary School District 26 on this important milestone and look forward to the positive impact her leadership will bring to the students, staff, and families of the Cary community.
Have Positions to Fill? HYA Can Help.
HYA’s search services empower districts to recruit and build strong, student-focused leadership teams through a transparent, community-driven process, ensuring boards can make confident decisions while maintaining focus on what matters most: student success.
