D113A Hires New Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Personnel

LEMONT, IL — The District 113A Board of Education voted unanimously on Wednesday to hire Kate Koch as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Personnel beginning on July 1.

Koch has served as a principal and assistant principal in the District for the past five years, according to a release from the District. She has held positions at River Valley and Oakwood schools, and has excelled as a principal at both schools, leading systemic improvements and reaching new levels of achievement for students, the District said.

The hiring process for assistant superintendent involved four rounds of interviews, including interviews with certified staff, support staff, administration and the Board of Education. Koch emerged as the top candidate out of over 50 candidates who applied, the District said.

The interview committee who interviewed five finalists described Koch as “very professional, approachable, positive, prepared, genuine, organized and relatable,” and they also said that “she does a great job at balancing professional relationships while enforcing district policies.”

References from staff, parents, supervisors, and college professors described her as an “accomplished leader and remarkably talented scholar.” Former supervisors also shared that Koch “is an exceptional educator who possesses a rare blend of vision, empathy, and strategic thinking,” while additional references said that she “has an incredibly thoughtful approach to everything she does.”

“Mrs. Koch has a comprehensive understanding of our school district and has a proven record of positive performance," Board President Damon Ascolani said in a release. "She leads with integrity and inspires others around her towards excellence. She is knowledgeable in the area of human resources and personnel and will have a tremendous impact on our entire school community."

“It is an absolute honor for me to serve in this new role to continue strengthening relationships while collaborating with all students, staff, and families in SD113A,” said Koch. “With a bright future ahead for the district, I'm thrilled for the opportunity to further enhance the already outstanding work happening in Lemont.”

In addition to her time as principal, Koch is a 2022 IASA Moon Scholarship recipient and a 2023 US News and World Report Best Elementary School award recipient. She recently obtained her Superintendent endorsement, has presented at the Illinois Principals Association to aspiring principals, and is working toward her doctorate. Her previous experiences include serving as an Assistant Principal, summer school director, and a middle school social studies teacher.