At its Feb. 24, 2025 meeting, the Community High School District 128 Board of Education unanimously approved the hiring and contract of Marc Schaffer, Ed.D. as the next D128 Superintendent effective July 1, 2025.
"We are pleased to welcome Dr. Schaffer back to Illinois as the new superintendent of District 128," shared Board of Education President Jim Batson. "His extensive experience as a superintendent makes him well-equipped to lead our district. He shares our unwavering commitment to continue to provide outstanding educational opportunities for our students."
BWP & Associates led the District’s superintendent search process. Dr. Schaffer was selected from a national pool of 22 candidates. Along with the D128 Board, administrators, teachers, support staff, and community members were involved in the selection process which included focus groups and interview teams.
“A huge thank you to everyone involved in this important process,” said Co-Interim Superintendent Rebecca Nelson. She noted that as experienced co-interim superintendents, she and her co-leader Raymond Lechner understand the complexities of transitioning to new leadership as they have led the process in several other districts. “Throughout the remainder of this school year, we will meet weekly with Dr. Schaffer to ensure a smooth and successful transition as he takes the helm of D128 on July 1, 2025. We are excited to support this important process and look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of D128.”
Dr. Schaffer shared, “I am incredibly proud and honored to be joining Community High School District 128. This district is a shining example of a world-class education system, driven by its exceptional students, dedicated staff, and supportive, engaged community. I am excited and energized to continue building on the strong traditions of excellence in student achievement, outcomes, and experiences, while also inspiring every student to be DARING in their pursuits. There is so much to look forward to, and I can't wait to be a part of it all!
Joining D128 is a bit of a homecoming for Dr. Schaffer who is an Illinois native and graduate of Niles West High School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University and a Master of Science in Education, Curriculum and Instruction and a Doctorate in Education, Educational Leadership from Northern Illinois University.
Since 2018, Dr. Schaffer has served as superintendent of the Thompson School District in Loveland, CO. Before that, he was the Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership at Boulder Valley School District in Boulder, CO. He has also served as the Director of Middle School Education with the Douglas County School District in Castle Rock, CO. Previously, he was a middle school principal, assistant principal, and teacher in Northbrook School District 27. Dr. Schaffer also served as the Dean of Students at Hamilton High School District 80 in Chandler, AZ.