District 303 Picks New Superintendent

ST. CHARLES, IL — Community Unit School District 303 has picked a new superintendent of schools.

Paul Gordon will replace outgoing superintendent Jason Pearson, who will take the helm as superintendent for Northbrook District 28. The District 303 school board approved the appointment of Gordon as superintendent during a special meeting Monday.

“The selection of a superintendent is one of the most significant and crucial duties undertaken by a school board,” said District 303 school board president Jillian Barker. “Dr. Gordon is an experienced leader, a visionary educator, and a thoughtful communicator with infectious energy. The School Board believes that his combined personal and professional attributes make him an outstanding choice to lead as the next Superintendent of Schools.”

Gordon is the superintendent at the Wenatchee School District in Wenatchee, Washington. Prior to that, he was superintendent of schools for six years for Glen Ellyn District 41.

A search firm aided in the hiring process and relied on input from comprehensive surveys completed by District 303 community members and from focus groups, which included students, staff members, parents and community members.

“I am incredibly proud and honored to join District 303. While doing research for my interviews, what excited me the most about this opportunity was the drive and commitment to continuous improvement by the staff and community to accelerate an already good school district," Gordon said.

He believes that staff, students, families, and community working together is the key to accomplishing "excellent outcomes for each student."

"Through collaboration, community partnership, and communication, we will create a thriving school environment for each student," he said.

Gordon has been recognized with a Those Who Excel Award from the Illinois State Board of Education and as the Educator of the Year by the village of Glen Ellyn in 2019. During his career, Gordon also worked as an English teacher for Adams 12 Five Star Schools in Thornton, Colorado, before being promoted to assistant principal, principal, executive director of schools and then chief academic officer.

While there, Gordon earned the Wright Way Award for his leadership and collaborative, progressive, educational philosophy with demonstrated positive outcomes.

Gordon has a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education from Metropolitan State University, a master’s degree in administration and supervision from the University of Phoenix, and a doctorate in educational leadership and change from Fielding Graduate University.