District 87 names Glenbard South principal new superintendent

The Glenbard Township High School District 87 Board of Education Monday named Glenbard South High School Principal Jessica Santee as the district’s effective July 1.

Santee will succeed David Larson, who previously announced that he will retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Larson has been Glenbard’s superintendent since 2012.

“Glenbard District 87 is a community deeply committed to fostering student learning and engagement,” Santee said in a District 87 news release. “We hold a shared belief that all students and staff have the capacity to learn, grow, and excel. This mindset of continuous improvement is at the heart of our strategic efforts and reflects who we are as educators.

“I am honored to lead this remarkable district as we work collectively to expand access and opportunities for every student. Together, we will empower our students to discover their identity, aspirations and pathways as they prepare for success beyond high school.

“This is a transformative time for Glenbard, marked by the largest facility improvement projects in our district’s history and significant advancements in dual-credit opportunities and career exploration programs. I am excited to continue collaborating with our greater Glenbard community and am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as your superintendent.”

Santee has served as principal at Glenbard South since 2021. Prior to that, she was Glenbard South’s assistant principal of instruction from July 2019 to June 2021.

Before coming to Glenbard, Santee was Lisle Community High School’s assistant principal for curriculum and instruction from three years. Prior to that, she was York Community High School’s division chair for research and social sciences. Santee was also a social studies teacher at York as well as department coordinator from 2012 to 14.

Santee is in the final steps of pursuing a doctorate in educational administration leadership from Aurora University. She has a master’s degree of educational leadership, principal preparation program from North Central College and a master’s degree of secondary education from University of Cincinnati. Santee earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and criminology from The Ohio State University.

“The board is delighted to offer the superintendent’s position to Ms. Jessica Santee,” District 87 Board of Education President Margaret DeLaRosa said in the release. “Glenbard was fortunate to have an extremely talented group of candidates for this position and the input from our community. Ms. Santee demonstrates a deep understanding of where we are today, and a focused vision for the work ahead. We are excited for her future and the leadership she will provide to our students, faculty, staff and community.”

As part of the superintendent search, Glenbard District 87 conducted an online survey and a series of focus group meetings with faculty, staff, students and community members to provide input and feedback.

Larson will collaborate with Santee for a smooth transition leading up to her official start date on July 1.