Superintendent Search Banner

The West Aurora School Board has begun an internal search for a new superintendent of schools
to replace Dr. Jeff Craig when he retires in June of 2024. The firm Hazard, Young, Attea, & Associates
has been selected to lead the search for his successor.

Search Timeline

Activity Dates
  • Planning meeting with Board to determine process, finalize timeline, etc.    
April 18, 2022 
  • Accepting applications from internal candidates
  • Individual interviews with Board Members, current superintendent, other identified individuals
May, 2022 
  • HYA will screen internal candidates
  • Finalize online survey questions
June and July, 2022
  • Stakeholder interviews/focus groups/community forums
  • Open online survey to all stakeholders
Mid August and September, 2022 
  • Leadership Profile presented to the Board
  • Presentation of candidates to the Board / interview workshop
  • Board first round interviews
Early October, 2022 
  • Board determines finalist(s)
  • Third party due diligence background check on finalist
  • Board schedules community feedback sessions with finalist
Late October, 2022 
  • Board conducts final interview - IF NEEDED
  • Board offers contract to candidate
  • Superintendent’s hiring approved and announced
November, 2022 
Logo for Hazard, Young, Attea, & Associates (HYA)
The West Aurora School Board is pleased to partner with Hazard, Young, Attea, & Associates (HYA) to conduct the search for the next superintendent. HYA is a network of independent education consultants across the nation. This independent network has made HYA the preeminent education consulting firm with over 30 years of executive search and education consulting experience. Since 1987, HYA has provided support for education leaders to employ school executives, address issues related to student performance, and support aspects of school district operations.


HYA Associates Dr. Jane Westerhold and Dr. Brian Harris, former superintendents with Illinois experience and national connections, look forward to serving West Aurora School District 129 in this important work.

Internal Application Process

Interested internal applicants need to submit the following via email to HYA Associates (Dr. Jane Westerhold, janewesterhold@hyasearch.com and Dr. Brian Harris, brianharris@hyasearch.com) with 'West Aurora School District #129 SEARCH' in the subject line:
  • Full resume
  • Cover letter stating why they are seeking the job and why they will be an excellent fit for the superintendent position
  • Full contact information for three references who can be immediately contacted
  • A written response (two page maximum) to the following prompt:
    • Assuming you are the next superintendent of West Aurora School District 129, how would you use your background and experiences to move our district forward? Please provide your thoughts and ideas on opportunities and challenges you would like to address as the leader of our district.  
Applications are due on or before June 15, 2022.