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On behalf of the School Board, I am thrilled to announce Dr. Angel Turner as the next Superintendent of Evanston/Skokie School District 65, effective immediately. Her appointment was approved unanimously at tonight’s Regular Board Meeting. Dr Turner has gone above and beyond having served as our interim leader since last July. She has proven herself to be a capable, deeply knowledgeable, and human-centered leader.

Dr. Turner cares deeply about our students and staff and has become extremely invested in our community over the past several years. Her experience, passion, and inclusive leadership style is exactly what our school district needs to move our goals and priorities forward. Dr. Turner shares in the commitments of our community in prioritizing equity; increasing our financial stability; and ensuring all students have access to a challenging, high quality learning experience in a supportive, safe environment. Having continuity in the form of Dr. Turner’s steady leadership will be impactful beyond measure in the coming years.

Our School Board partnered with the Illinois Association of School Boards to conduct an independent national search, which attracted nearly 40 candidates. We heard from more than 600 community members through a survey and focus groups about the qualities they wanted in District 65’s next superintendent: chief among them, financial acumen; equity understanding; leadership in retaining the best and brightest educators; and an individual who is transparent and collaborative. An internal interview panel of school and district staff, union leaders, and administrators overwhelmingly agreed that Dr. Turner truly embodied those qualities among the finalists.

Throughout the past year, Dr. Turner has returned time and again to District 65’s “Big Five” core values: Courtesy, Professionalism, Dignity, Respect, and Humanization. Using these values as a road map, she is leading the District through a robust budget reduction plan; a reimagined Fifth Ward School; the launch of rigorous new curriculum; and student academic growth in several key areas. Despite the weight of the work being done, she has managed to also center the J-Factor (Joy Factor!) in students’ learning, celebrating and fostering curiosity throughout our schools.

Prior to becoming Interim Superintendent, Dr. Turner served as our Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Director of Literacy in District 65. She has worked in education for over 20 years; learn more on our website.

We are excited about what the future holds and look forward to hosting a welcome reception this spring for our community to meet and get to know Dr. Turner better. More information will be forthcoming.

Thank you for your continued support. Wishing you a restful, safe spring break!

Sincerely,

Sergio Hernandez (he/him)
Board President