D113A Board Approves Hiring Of New Superintendent

LEMONT, IL — A familiar face is set to return to District 113A after the Board of Education approved hiring Courtney Orzel as the superintendent of schools at its Jan. 16 meeting, according to a release from the district.

Orzel will begin in the position on July 1, and will replace Anthony McConnell, who is taking a position in another district on April 1.

Orzel served as superintendent of District 113A from 2014-2020, leading the district following a massive financial crisis, the District said in a release. Orzel launched a comprehensive communications plan, restored band, choir and art programming, and implemented 1:1 technology.

During this time, the Board of Education also received an Illinois school board governance award and the district was honored with the Governor’s Hometown Award for Haunted Central.

The District said Orzel also garnered national attention for her work as a finalist for the Women in Leadership award, which recognizes female superintendents whose communication skills, professionalism and community involvement are exemplary.

When she left the District in 2020, Orzel began a position as the Associate Director of Professional Development for the Illinois Association of School Administrators, the state’s superintendent association. During her years at IASA, Orzel has led the state-wide professional development for superintendents.

“Over the past nearly four years, she has been the right person at the right time with the right message to support superintendents across Illinois as they grappled with the global pandemic and its effect on school district employees," Dr. Brent Clark, Executive Director of IASA, said in a release. "Her leadership has touched thousands of educators and inspired countless leaders. We will miss her energy and enthusiasm, but certainly wish her the very best as she continues her professional journey.”

Board President Damon Ascolani said the Board is delighted to welcome Orzel back.

"Her prior tenure saw a complete recovery from our financial crisis, the return of many programs, and the initiation of several key projects recently completed by the District including the reopening of Central School, addition of all-day kindergarten, and reduction in class size. We look forward to leveraging Dr. Orzel’s state and national experience to continue the fiscal and educational excellence that our community expects.”

According to the District, as part of its transition plan, Assistant Superintendent Daniela Fountain will serve as interim superintendent starting April 1, until Orzel starts in the position on July 1.

“I am truly humbled and honored to return to SD113A. My time serving as the Superintendent of Schools in Lemont was the highlight of my career and working for the superintendent’s association has given me many tools and resources to return to the position in an even stronger capacity than I began with 10 years ago," Orzel said in a release. "I’ve loved every position I’ve ever held, but being a superintendent is my calling, and with many years left in public education, going back to the superintendent’s position right now is simply an opportunity I couldn’t overlook. Returning to the position in Lemont with a Board of Education that I respect and being able to work for a school community filled with students, staff, parents and community members that I love is a dream come true."