Future Superintendent Brings Strong Financial Background to District 113A

Susan Birkenmaier has wanted to be a superintendent for about 10 years, but the opportunities have never been quite right.

Now in her 20th year as a school administrator—one that has specialized in finances and human resources—she says she has found "the perfect match" in .

On March 21, the District 113A school board appointed Birkenmaier , effective July 1. She and the board agreed to a three-year contract at an annual salary of $164,000 for the 2012-13 school year.

She will replace , who took over the position when former Superintendent Tim Ricker .

Birkenmaier is currently in her 11th year as the director of operations for LaGrange Highlands School District 106, where she is responsible for district finances and human services. She has 20 years experience in the field of education.

Birkenmaier served as a member of the Illinois State Board of Education Steering Committee for the Southwest Cook County Cooperative Association from 2001 to 2005. She also served as the business manager for the Lockport-area Special Education Cooperative from 1999 to 2001.

From 1991 to 1999, she was the business manager for the LaGrange Area Department of Special Education.

Under Birkenmaier's leadership, the state board has placed District 106 in Financial Recognition—the highest level a district can receive for overall financial position—for the past six years. Additionally, the district has received a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International.

Birkenmaier holds a doctorate in educational leadership with a minor in curriculum and instruction from Indiana University. She has served as an adjunct professor at Lewis University, where she taught school finance, human resources and negotiations to doctoral students.

For the past three years, she has volunteered at Literacy DuPage, a nonprofit, community-based organization that trains volunteer tutors to provide customized, student-centered English language instruction to adults.

Birkenmaier was born in Evergreen Park and grew up in Oak Lawn, so she is familiar with both Lemont and Cook County.

She has been married for 20 years. She and her husband, J.R., have four adult children and three grandchildren. 

Last week, Patch spoke to Birkenmaier, about her new job and the vision she has for District 113A over the next three years.

PATCH: Have you always known you wanted to be a superintendent?

BIRKENMAIER: My background has been more administrative, particularly in the area of school finance, so it has been somewhat of a natural progression. I've had such a great experience in my current job, but I've probably known for about 10 years that I wanted to pursue a superintendent position. Up to this point, I just hadn't found that perfect fit. When the job in District 113A became available, I thought my skill set seemed like a good match.

PATCH: What attracted you to District 113A?

BIRKENMAIER: First of all, Lemont is a great community. The commitment to family and education is truly outstanding, and that is reflected in the high level of student achievement in both District 113A and Lemont High School.

I also knew that my unique skill set would be a good match for the district. I think they were looking for someone with an extensive background in finance, and that's something I have spent my entire career doing.

I was also extremely impressed with the administration and staff. Through the entire interview process, I was struck by the enthusiasm and dedication of everyone I met. I'm very excited to be part of that.

PATCH: Your background in education has been exclusively in administration. Are you nervous about stepping into a role where you'll be overseeing everything from business to academics?

BIRKENMAIER: I'm confident in my abilities, so I'm not nervous. Everyone I've met in the district office and the schools has been great, so I know I'll have a great team working with me. I don't view it as a challenge so much as a good match for both me and the district.

PATCH: What are your goals for District 113A when you take office in July?

BIRKENMAIER: One of the things we'll be focused on is strategic planning. We want to plan for a sustainable future—that's one thing that's important to this board. ( a five-year strategic plan for District 113A by March 1, 2013.)

Curriculum and classroom instruction will also be at the forefront. District 113A already has a strong curriculum, but we'll be looking at ways to maintain the success the district has seen in recent years with test scores and making AYP.

PATCH: What do you see as the biggest obstacles facing the district?

BIRKENMAIER: We will continue to work on the district's financial position, but I believe things are on the right track. The challenge is going to be improving our financial standing while also working to improve academics. I'm aware that the district has been operating with large class sizes and limited resources, but the level of education is still very high in Lemont, and I think we're headed in the right direction to be able to keep that up.

PATCH: How will you approach your relationship with the school board? 

BIRKENMAIER: One of the things that impressed me most during the interview process was how committed each of the board members are to this district. I'm looking forward to working with them and continuing the good work that is already being done in District 113A.