Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123

District News

New Superintendent Selected to Lead Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123

Oak Lawn Hometown School District 123 announces the selection of Art Fessler as the new superintendent of schools, effective July 1, 2010. Fessler comes from Barrington (Ill.) School District 220, where he has been assistant superintendent of secondary education since 2007 and principal of the highly regarded Barrington Middle School-Prairie Campus since 2002. Fessler has previous experience as an elementary school administrator in both Barrington 220 and in Community Unit School District 300 (Carpentersville, Ill.).

Fessler succeeds Kathleen McCord, who is departing Oak Lawn in June after five years as Superintendent following a twenty-five year career in the district.

“Under Dr. McCord’s leadership, Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 has become one of the premier elementary school districts in the southwest suburbs. We are confident that Mr. Fessler will lead us to becoming one of the premier elementary school districts in the State of Illinois. We feel Mr. Fessler will use his experience to enhance our strategic plan, strengthen our curriculum and foster communication with our stakeholders, while simultaneously keeping the district financially responsible. The Board was very satisfied with the selection process and we all feel we hired the best candidate for the District 123 Superintendent,” said Board President Joseph Sorrentino.

Under Fessler’s leadership, Barrington Middle School-Prairie Campus consistently ranks among the top-performing secondary schools in Illinois. He brings extensive experience in strategic planning, learning assessments, innovative curriculum, instructional technology, staff development and special education. Since joining Barrington 220 in 1998, Fessler’s understanding of student achievement, parent communication and fiscal responsibility have earned him the respect of colleagues and peers on a national level.

“Oak Lawn-Hometown offers an exciting tradition of academic quality and hometown support,” Fessler said. “Joining a school district where parents, staff and students are so invested in learning is a privilege. I look forward to collaborating with the community in leading its schools to the next level of success.”

Oak Lawn Hometown School District 123 spans approximately nine-square miles with seven schools, which include 450 staff and 3,000 students in early childhood through 8th grade. By comparison, the Barrington 220 School District has 1,200 staff and 9,250 students on 12 campuses, including one early childhood center, eight elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. Barrington 220 encompasses 12 communities across 72-square miles in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

Fessler has his Superintendent’s Endorsement from the University of Illinois-Champaign and is a doctoral candidate at Illinois, pending completion of his dissertation. His master’s degree is in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University and his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education is from Judson University.