District 30 names new Director of Teaching and Learning

A veteran school administrator will step into a new role next fall that the oversees creation, implementation and development of educational programs in Northbrook/Glenview District 30.

The Board of Education last month unanimously approved Katherine Kelly as the district's new Director of Teaching and Learning, beginning July 1, 2026.

Her position will replace the role of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction held by Dr. Melissa Hirsch, who will retire this spring after 24 years with District 30 and 17 years overseeing curriculum for Maple and Wescott Schools in Northbrook, as well as Willowbrook School in Glenview.

Kelly joins the district with over two decades of experience in education and 17 years in administration, currently serving as principal of Lions Park School in Mount Prospect District 57. There, she led the school to an “exemplary” designation on the Illinois State Report Card.

“Ms. Kelly is data savvy and systems-oriented, while also keeping sight of the fact that successful schools are built on strong relationships,” District 30 Superintendent Dr. Emily K. Tammaru stated. “She will work to ensure Wescott, Willowbrook and Maple Schools have robust systems and resources that allow our teachers to bring creativity and inspiration to their classrooms.”

Kelly was chosen as part of a comprehensive search process that involved input from elementary and middle school teachers, district coordinators, and administrators, from the creation of a candidate profile through the final stages of the selection process.

“I am excited to join District 30 in its work to ensure academic success for all students,” Kelly said. “My priority is to partner with administration, school leadership, and teachers to improve and evolve instructional strategies that will maximize student outcomes.”

Prior to her current role, she served as principal and assistant principal at Field School in Park Ridge Ridge-Niles Community Consolidated District 64. She also previously taught at Roosevelt School in the same district. Additionally, Kelly taught at Southeast School in Evergreen Park School District 124.

“Ms. Kelly offers a great depth of knowledge while being a hands-on leader who will be highly visible across District 30,” Dr. Tammaru said. “This is a perfect balance that will support our district's continued tradition of excellence.”

Kelly holds a Master of Arts in School Leadership from Concordia University. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.