Superintendent – Aurora, IL

Job Description

Indian Prairie School District 204
Superintendent

Indian Prairie School District 204 is seeking an exceptional leader to become the next superintendent beginning on July 1, 2026, following the successful six year tenure of Dr. Adrian Talley.   This is an unparalleled opportunity to lead and serve one of the top districts in the country.  

IPSD 204 is Illinois’ fourth largest school district serving 26,000+ students in 34 schools. A highly diverse district, it is recognized as a high-performing, “destination district” that attracts both families and employees due to its strong reputation, excellent facilities, and deeply rooted community values. Its strengths include robust student success, a well-maintained infrastructure, and a 95% teacher retention rate. The district has received numerous accolades—such as Blue Ribbon schools, state awards for principals and teachers, and national recognition for student achievement.  The fine arts programs and the athletic and academic teams are outstanding as are the array of opportunities for students to participate in these and other extra-curricular activities.  Academic performance and growth measures place the district in the top tier of districts in Illinois and nationwide. Due to the shared vision of staff, the thoughtful governance of the board, engaged parents, and extensive community support, the district’s culture is unmatched, with a broad and deep commitment to excellence, collaboration, and student well-being.

The following qualifications and characteristics are strongly preferred: (remove periods on bullet list)

• Demonstrated successful leadership in a high achieving, highly engaged public school district
• An earned doctorate
• Responsive and accountable; willing to accept responsibility, open to being challenged, and able to engage in difficult conversations without being confrontational
• An exceptional communicator with outstanding oral and written skills, an authentic and active listener, inspiring speaker, and successful experience with media communication
• The proven ability to establish, sustain, and strengthen relationships with the full array of stakeholders and strong at building, leading, and empowering teams
• Demonstrated cultural competence and the ability to engage with a diverse student body and community
• Ability to advocate on behalf of the district with key stakeholders including government officials
• An exceptionally approachable, immersive presence in the schools and community
• An earned reputation for impeccable integrity, authentic humility, and sincere empathy
• An even-keeled leader who is always well prepared, makes sound decisions, communicates them clearly, and brings a steady presence to the role 
• Unwavering commitment to and focus on student and staff success
• Demonstrated leadership that ensures underperforming, under-represented, minority, and low economic students are supported and succeeding
• Articulates a compelling vision for the district and ensures strategies, tactics, and conditions are in place and executed to achieve it
• A self-reflective leader who also seeks out the counsel of others

Applicants will need to submit the following documents via HYA’s application link: <INSERT>

• Cover Letter:  Explain why you want the position, relate what excites you about the opportunity, and share why you are the right fit for the job
• Resume:  Comprehensive summary of professional background and experience
• References: Names, titles, cell phone, and email addresses of three references who can be contacted immediately
• Video:  A video of no more than 90 seconds introducing yourself to the Board of Education members.  Please note that we encourage you to present your authentic self and not overproduce the video.
• Essay: A one page (maximum 300 words) written response to the following question: What is it about you that makes you the best fit for becoming IPSD 204’s next superintendent of schools?​

Questions should be directed to Brian Harris (brianharris@hyasearch.com) or Max McGee (maxmcgee@hyasearch.com).  Total annual compensation will be no less than $300,000.

Applications close October 10, 2025.  Screening interviews begin August 15, 2025.