District 214 Head Named Illinois Superintendent Of The Year

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — David Schuler, superintendent for Township High School District 214, was named the 2018 Illinois Superintendent of the Year over the weekend. He received the honor from the Illinois Association of School Administrators, which handed out the award during its joint conference with the Illinois Association of School Boards and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials on Saturday in Chicago.

Calling the award "an incredibly humbling experience," Schuler gave credit to the students, faculty and staff, as well as the school board, for the success he's had in the district, which is the second-largest high school district in the state.

"I am continually amazed that when adults from the community walk through our schools they say that they wish could go back and do high school again because what we are providing our students today is so radically different than what many adults experienced when theywere in high school," he said in a statement.

As District 214 superintendent, Schuler oversees more than 12,000 students at six high schools, including Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove, John Hersey, Prospect, Rolling Meadows and Wheeling. He's held the position since 2005.

"[Schuler] has a wonderful way of challenging you and asking you to rethink things that really has no boundaries or limits," said Lazaro Lopez, the district's associate superintendent for teaching and learning.

Judging for the award is based on four areas: leadership for learning, communication, professionalism and community involvement. In announcing the honor, the IASA pointed to the high level of achievement for the district while Schuler has been superintendent. During his 12-year tenure, the district's schools have consistently been ranked among the best in the state and country, with all of them earning either a gold or silver medal in U.S. News and World Report’s 2016 ranking.

"He is positive, full of energy and never takes no for an answer. He finds a way to get it done," said Brent Clark, IASA executive director. "I think Dave is one of the people who’s always looking over the horizon determining where we need to be as public school educators and where public schools need to be to best suit and serve school children.”

Schuler has a bachelor’s degree from Carroll University, and he earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He started his educational career as a social studies teacher in Wisconsin, and he also has worked as a student activities and athletics director and principal.

“High School District 214 is a microcosm of the country," Schuler said. "I am truly fortunate to work, hands down, in the best school district in the country."

WATCH: District 214 Superintendent David Schuler receives the 2018 Illinois Superintendent of the Year award.

District 214 Superintendent David Schuler (Photo via Illinois Association of School Administrators)