LM Nov-Dec.2019

Orzel ... cont’d. had no plans to leave Lemont- Bromerek CSD #113A to pursue another superintendency. However, the position with IASA was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. “When the Associate Director of Professional Development opportunity posted, it opened the door for a one-time chance in my career to do something that I would love just as much as being a superintendent,” Orzel says. “It combines the best of both worlds—working with the role of the superintendency and providing high quality professional development— both of which have a great impact on students…I truly believe it’s an opportunity of a lifetime.” Orzel says she plans to speak one- on-one with superintendents across the state to find out what professional development they are most interested in and what their districts could benefit from now and in the future.

School in Elmhurst CU #205 and later as an assistant principal/athletic director in Gower SD #62. Her next stop was at Forest Ridge SD #142, where she was a principal from 2006–2013. She served as superintendent there for one year before taking over at Lemont-Bromberek CSD #113A in 2014. Dr. Margaret Longo, the former superintendent at Forest Ridge SD #142, encouraged Orzel to pursue the top post. “She gave me many opportunities at the district level to learn and grow and that is when I realized that I would like to aspire to the superintendency one day,” Orzel says. As a superintendent, Orzel led Lemont-Bromberek CSD

I’m most proud of being part of one of the best comeback stories in the state, thanks to the incredible students, board, staff, parents and community in Lemont.

#113A out of financial watch status and worked tirelessly to rebuild trust with the community and staff. The Illinois State Board of Education profiled the district in its Illinois Sparks series in a story titled, Coming Back from Crisis as a Whole Community . “I’m proud of so many things in Lemont-Bromberek CSD #113A, but I’m most proud of being part of one of the best comeback stories in the state thanks to the incredible students, Board, staff, parents and community in Lemont,” Orzel says. “We stabilized the finances, returned programming back to students, turned a vacant school into a haunted house to become an award winning project in the State of Illinois, and consistently created additional opportunities every year for students to thrive. It’s a special district with a great story—and the very best people you’ll ever meet.” Passion for Professional Development Throughout her career, Orzel has sought out professional development—including through IASA’s School for

She has immense respect for the work that Dr. Voltz has done in this role and is looking forward to building on the foundation he has created while learning, listening and growing future professional development opportunities for superintendents and their districts. “Providing high quality professional development for sitting and aspiring superintendents is critical for the success of our school districts,” Orzel says. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to work with Dr. Clark, the IASA Board of Directors and staff and superintendents across the state.” Journey to theSuperintendency Orzel grew up in Clinton, located about 30 minutes south of Bloomington. She is an only child and a first-generation college student. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University, master’s degree from Concordia University and doctorate from University of Illinois. Her teaching career began at the junior high in Riverside SD #96. She later held numerous positions at York High

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LM Month 2019