Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 will soon begin looking for its next leader as superintendent Hector Garcia plans to retire at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
Garcia was hired as superintendent in February 2018 after an extensive search and began his tenure at District 181 on July 1 of that year.
A superintendent succession plan and hiring a search firm to lead the process of finding a replacement will be discussed at an Oct. 21 board meeting, and a search firm may be hired at that time.
Board President William Cotter said he believes District 181’s strong reputation as an outstanding district will significantly help to attract talented candidates to replace Garcia.
“Our board’s effective governance and Dr. Garcia’s leadership in shaping a positive culture will serve as even greater attractions for exceptional candidates,” he said.
Cotter said the district’s stability is a testament to Garcia’s strong leadership and the collaborative culture that has been fostered under his tenure.
“To maintain this momentum, we’re committed to a smooth transition process,” Cotter said. “We’ll thoroughly search for a new superintendent who shares our values and vision for the district. Additionally, we’ll continue to prioritize open communication and collaboration with our staff, parents, and community.
“Lastly, our board recognizes the important role we play in setting the right cultural tone at the top. The Illinois Association of School Boards recognized the D181 Board of Education this year for our excellence in school governance, and our positive leadership will help us navigate the post-Dr. Garcia environment.”
Cotter said the final details of a new superintendent profile are still to be finalized and the board currently is deciding on a search firm to hire.
“That said, a baseline expectation for Dr. Garcia’s successor will be the commitment to strive for even loftier student outcomes than those we’ve achieved during Dr. Garcia’s tenure,” he said. “Once we’ve selected a search firm, we’ll work with them to gather input from multiple stakeholder groups, including parents, teachers, staff, and community members, to create the superintendent profile.”
Cotter said Garcia’s dedication, leadership, and positive impact on the district will be greatly missed when he retires.
“His ability to build strong relationships with students, staff and the community, and his commitment to academic excellence have been invaluable,” Cotter said. “We are truly grateful for his many years of service and the positive legacy he leaves behind.”
Garcia has been at the helm while the district gained national and state recognition, had outstanding academic performance, completed major construction projects, added full-day kindergarten, increased safety efforts and had administrator stability.
For his part, Garcia said he has been incredibly fortunate to serve as superintendent of District 181.
“What I’ve cherished most is the opportunity to work with amazing educators to benefit thousands of students,” he said. “Our joint efforts with families, staff, the community, and the board have cultivated a learning environment that’s received recognition both statewide and nationally. Additionally, I have greatly valued the countless occasions to engage directly with our students, appreciating their unique perspectives and vibrant energy.”
When he initially stepped into the role of superintendent of District 181, Garcia said he anticipated both the challenges and rewards that were to come.
“While there have certainly been unforeseen challenges, I have found the experience to be even more rewarding than I initially imagined,” he said. “I continue to enjoy working closely with some of the best educators in the state, an outstanding Board of Education, and so many families that have always been incredibly supportive of our efforts.
“I’m most proud of the fact that we have created a culture in which our students are able to thrive and parents remain very supportive of our work. Regarding our more tangible accomplishments, I am particularly proud that our district has garnered both state and national recognition for our efforts.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
