Chala Holland Named New Superintendent Of District 113

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Following a five-month search for its next leader, the Township High School District 113 board hired a new superintendent this week.

Chala Holland, currently an assistant superintendent in Naperville Community Unit School District 203, agreed to a three-year contract as chief of District 113, which includes Deerfield and Highland Park high schools.

Holland spent six years as principal of Lake Forest High School before departing for Naperville in 2021. Before that, she was a teacher and administrator at Evanston Township High School District 202 and an assistant principal in Oak Park-River Forest High School District 200.

"I'm humbled and honored to have the confidence of the board to serve and lead in this wonderful District," Holland said following the approval of her contract at Tuesday's board meeting. "Thank you for the vision that I vow to support, enhance and promote."

District 113 Board President Anne Neumann said Holland fostered a culture of academic excellence and inclusivity in Lake Forest, leading efforts to create an environment that allows all students to thrive.

---

Holland received glowing recommendations from her references, including District 203 Superintendent Dan Bridges, who described her as "one of the smartest, committed and skilled people he has ever worked with. She is a strong leader who leads through collaboration. She is more than ready to be a great superintendent," Neumann said, ahead of the board's unanimous approval of her new contract.

"Holland's work demonstrates her tireless and unwavering commitment to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed in District 113," Neumann said. "Holland will be the first woman superintendent since 2005, so almost 20 years, and the very first person of color serving in this leadership role."

Board Secretary Jodi Shapira said she had interviewed more than three dozen candidates during her time on school boards and as a member of parent-teacher organizations.

"I can tell you that, in those 38 candidates, I had never walked in my door after one saying to my husband, 'I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am,'" Shapira said.

"I've said things like 'I think this is a good fit,' 'I think this person will be nice,' 'We found the best person,' but never had I come to my husband and said, 'This is an amazing candidate,'" she said. "And I'd consider running again — which I'm not — to be working with her. I can't begin to tell you how extraordinary privileged we are to have her being our next superintendent."

Mike Simeck, who was Holland's boss in Lake Forest and now leads District 113 feeder district Deerfield School District 109, said he was confident that the board found themselves "spellbound" by Holland during the interview process.

"I can tell you that no one will take her role more seriously, devote more of herself, or more earnestly engage with all members of the school community, whether they agree with her or not, than Dr. Chala Holland," Simeck said. "Your decision tonight will benefit Districts 109, 112 and 106, I want to assure you that bright days for our partnership lie ahead, and I am beyond thrilled to have Shayla Holland as my new neighbor."

Speaking after Tuesday's vote, Holland thanked her family and outgoing District 113 Superintendent Bruce Law.

"I'm looking forward to building relationships across Highland Park, Deerfield, Bannockburn, Riverwoods, and Fort Sheridan," Holland said, omitting the city of Highwood from the list of District 113 towns.

"I'm looking forward to partnering with our feeder districts to maximize the K through 12 experience and all that's possible," Holland said.

"I'm also really looking forward to collaborating with staff, students, families towards our shared goals of providing opportunities for each student to be seen, valued and to reach their full potential," she added. "And I really can't wait to get started."

Patch has requested from District 113 officials a copy of Holland's contract, which was not publicly released before it was approved Tuesday.

UPDATE: Holland's contract reflects a base annual salary starting at $300,000 for its first year, performance goals, $5,000 a year in deferred compensation, $7,200 in a car allowance and other benefits, as well as various buyout clauses.