Dr. Susan Zola announced as new Superintendent of Unit 4 Schools

From the press release:

The Unit 4 Board of Education has announced Dr. Susan Zola as the next District Superintendent. Dr. Zola will begin her duty as Superintendent on July 1, 2017. 

“The impressive quality and quantity of the work Dr. Zola has done for Unit 4 was more than enough to propel her to the finalist stage,” said Board of Education President Chris Kloeppel. “However, it was her performance during the interview process–her eloquence, passion, poise, and professionalism–that ultimately convinced us to choose her as the next Superintendent of Champaign Unit 4.” 

In his remarks, Mr. Kloeppel thanked current Superintendent Dr. Judy Wiegand for her service. “It is my belief that you are leaving Unit 4 in a tremendous place,” said Kloeppel. “It cannot be understated how appreciative I am of your leadership and guidance to this District.”

Dr. Susan Zola began her career as a first grade teacher in Urbana School District 116. In 1990, she joined Champaign Unit 4 School District and became the Principal of Dr. Howard Elementary School. She later served as the Director of Title I/Literacy, Director of Choice, Principal of Jefferson Middle School, and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. 

 

Dr. Zola currently serves the District as the Assistant Superintendent for Achievement, Curriculum, and Instruction where she oversees curriculum and instruction work and the District’s 12 elementary school campuses. She will continue to work in this capacity in Superintendent Dr. Wiegand’s administration until July 1. 

 

Dr. Judy Wiegand’s planned retirement at the close of the school year prompted the Board of Education to hire the Illinois Association of School Boards to conduct a national search for the District’s next leader. IASB assisted in the board in narrowing the number of candidates from 50+ to 7 finalists, who were interviewed in closed session by the Board of Education. 

 

The pool was then narrowed to 3 candidates who were then interviewed by a panel of community members, faculty, staff, administration, and the Board of Education. The Board of Education reviewed information provided by the panel and deliberated in closed session on January 18 and again on January 23, ultimately selecting Zola as the District’s next top leader. The Board will vote to finalize her contract at its next meeting on February 27.