District 214 Superintendent Named National Finalist

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — The way the final days of 2017 are shaping up for David Schuler, his 2018 might already be memorable before it even begins. The head of Township High School District 214 was honored as the state's superintendent of the year last month, and this week, he was named one of four finalists for the national honor by the American Association of School Administrators.

The award, which is in its 31st year, is open to all U.S. superintendents with plans to continue that career path. Schuler and the three other finalists were chosen because of their achievements in the following areas: leadership for learning, professionalism and community involvement.

The winner will be announced at the AASA's National Conference on Education in February in Nashville, Tennessee. A $10,000 college scholarship also will be given in the winner's name to a student in the high school from which the superintendent graduated or the school now serving the same area.

RELATED: District 214 Head Named Illinois Superintendent Of The Year

"The superintendents we are honoring represent the face of public education," said Daniel A. Domenech, AASA's executive director. "This program celebrates the accomplishments by the education thought leaders we’re honoring. We also celebrate the tremendous strides public education is making in our communities."

Along with Schuler, the other finalists include:

• Wendy Robinson, Fort Wayne Community Schools, Ft. Wayne, Indiana
• Mary Sieu, ABC Unified School District, Cerritos, California
• Mike Winstead, Maryville City Schools, Maryville, Tennessee

Schuler, who is superintendent of the second-largest school system in state, was named the 2018 Illinois Superintendent of the Year in November. That honor is handed out by the Illinois Association of School Administrators.

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.

Township High School District 214 Supt. David Schuler (Photo via American Association of School Administrators)