Superintendent Search

Maurice Brown, President, CM 201-U Board of Education
Maurice Brown, CM 201-U Board President

CM 201-U Board of Education

CM 201-U Board of Education
Front row L-R: Jamie Zite-Stumbris, Elizabeth Venegas, Janine Woolfolk. Back row L-R: Alex Gallegos, Dr. Todd C. Hall, Maurice Brown, William J. Sawallisch Jr.

Superintendent Search: Letter to the Community

Dear Crete-Monee 201-U Staff, Families, and Community Members,

The Crete-Monee 201-U Board of Education is beginning the important process of selecting our next Superintendent to succeed Dr. Kara Coglianese, who will retire at the end of the 2026–2027 school year. We are committed to ensuring this process is thoughtful, inclusive, and transparent.

Selecting our next educational leader is the most important decision a school board makes. This is not simply about filling a position — it is about identifying a leader who will move our district forward while honoring our core values, mission, vision, and the priorities outlined in our strategic plan. We believe the future of our schools should be shaped by the voices of those who live, learn, and work in our community.

A critical part of this process is gathering input from our families, staff, and community members to help develop a leadership profile that outlines the professional qualities and personal characteristics essential for success in this role. Your voice matters, and we encourage you to participate in shaping the future of our district.

How You Can Participate

To better understand the qualities and experiences you believe are most important in our next Superintendent, we invite you to take the community survey (available April 13-24).

Search Process & Timeline

The Board is partnering with The Donovan Group to guide the search process. Key milestones include:

March 2026: Job posted
April 2026: Stakeholder and community surveys and focus groups
May 2026: Development of the Superintendent profile
June 2026: Review of applications and candidate interviews
July/August 2026: Finalist selected and contacted
August/September 2026: Contract awarded

We look forward to engaging with both internal and external stakeholders throughout this process as we work to select our next visionary leader. Updates will be shared regularly on this page.

Thank you for your continued dedication to the success of our students and schools.

Maurice Brown
President, CM 201-U Board of Education

Why Crete-Monee 201-U?

Crete-Monee School District 201-U includes eight schools serving students from preschool through high school, united by four close-knit communities working together with a shared purpose.

At 201-U, we are committed to engaging, empowering, and inspiring every student. From early learning through graduation, we provide meaningful experiences that prepare students for college, careers, and life — ensuring each child is known, valued, and challenged to reach their fullest potential.

Dr. Kara Coglianese, Superintendent CM 201-U

A Message from Our Current Superintendent, Dr. Kara Coglianese

“What I love most about Crete-Monee 201-U is the heart of this community. Our families care deeply about their children and their schools, and our staff go above and beyond every single day. There is a genuine Warrior spirit of collaboration and resilience here. When challenges arise, we come together — and when our students succeed, we celebrate together. It is an honor to serve a district where unity is more than a word — it is who we are.”