A job as director of communications for Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181, which initially was supposed to be an interim position lasting six months, ended up lasting more than two years for Jeffrey Alstadt.
But now, he is heading west to become superintendent of Streator Elementary District 44, and District 181 has hired an assistant principal from Thompson Junior High in Oswego to replace him, starting July 1.
Karen O’Connor was chosen from a pool of 36 applicants in District 181, which interviewed seven candidates and invited three back as finalists before making the final choice.
“Karen has extensive leadership experience across multiple districts, including roles as assistant principal, assistant director of education, and director of social science and fine arts,” said Gina Herrmann, District 181’s assistant superintendent of human resources. “Her demonstrated strength in community relations, her leadership in school safety initiatives, and her ability to communicate clearly and effectively made her an exceptional choice.
“We were also impressed by her history of building strong relationships with students, families, and staff members, alike, in her previous roles.”
O’Connor’s job title of community engagement, safety, & district leadership principal is different from the previous title of director of communications.
“The primary responsibilities of the role continue to be district communications, community relations, and safety, consistent with the previous director of communications position,” Hermann said. “However, we intentionally added a leadership development component to the role to build administrative capacity and strengthen our pipeline of future principals. The updated title reflects this broader scope, but still emphasizes the district’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and safety.”
Alstadt said he thoroughly enjoyed his time in District 181, but is looking forward to returning to a position of superintendent. He was a superintendent of a Wisconsin elementary district before coming to District 181.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
