Superintendent Search

Dear Hartland Lakeside Staff and Parents,

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your patience during the rigorous search process for a new superintendent. Over the past 6 months, the HLSD School Board has been searching to find a leader that fits our mission to provide a diverse and dynamic culture that meets the unique learning styles of all students. 

 

I am thrilled to announce that our search has concluded. On Friday, June 30, 2023 we hired an exceptional leader, Tina Johnson, as the new superintendent to continue HLSD’s tradition of excellence. Her start date will be July 17, 2023 but she will be taking time to meet and get to know people prior to that. 

Tina received her MA in Educational Leadership at St. Xavier University and her BME in Music Education and Vocal Performance at Wartburg College. 

 

Tina has been the Director of Benefits Administration and Wellness for the last five years in the Janesville School District. She has been instrumental as a Senior Cabinet Member advising, reviewing, and contributing to all district-level decisions. Ms. Johnson has led key initiatives to strengthen student learning, staff well-being, and professional development.

 

Her past experience has included working as the Music Education K-12 Coordinator in Janesville, Principal of Rock University High School in Janesville, the Assistant Director of Administrative and Human Services in Janesville, RTI Coordinator/ Academic Interventionist at the Woods School in Lake Geneva, Pre K-8 Music Education, Fine Arts teacher at the Woods School in Lake Geneva,  K-8th Music Education teacher in Green Oaks, Libertyville, IL and Music Coordinator, Choral, Asst. Band Director in McHenry High School in McHenry, IL.

 

Her diverse experience includes hiring and developing talent, team building, personalized learning, developing individualized behavior and academic intervention plans for all students 4K-8th, experience with Integrated Comprehensive Services, strategic planning, financial budgeting, and school security and safety. 

 

Tina Johnson believes the culture of a school district should be where you know students by name, strengths, and needs. She expects that when someone walks into a school they can feel and recognize every student is loved. Tina describes herself as a relational and servant leader. The needs of the students is her first priority. She strongly believes in staff and student health and well-being. 

 

She is intrigued with HLSD’s challenges and welcomes utilizing her training in mediation and conflict resolution to build stakeholder relationships to achieve compromise and optimal solutions. 

 

The board believes that Tina Johnson brings a wealth of knowledge from her experience in multiple diverse educational roles. She will undoubtedly bring passion for students and desire to be part of the community. She has a collaborative spirit, is compassionate, assertive, thoughtful, and open to diverse ideas. After speaking to several co-workers, we heard a common theme. Our loss is your gain. 

 

Ms. Johnson states: 

“I am beyond thrilled to have been selected to serve the Hartland Lakeside students, staff, families, and community as their next Superintendent! I was drawn to Hartland Lakeside because of the unwavering commitment to excellence evidenced by their academic achievements, community involvement, and passionate educators; working toward the same goal: setting our children up for success not only in their education but for their future endeavors. 

Thank you for accepting me into your family. I look forward to meeting you all very soon!”

 

The board would also like to thank the parents, community, and staff for participating in the stakeholder feedback platforms that were used to identify the priorities, skills, and characteristics that all feel are valuable in a superintendent for HLSD. 

Sincerely,

 

Tiffany Hawley

HLSD School Board
President

On June 30, 2023 the School Board held a special school board meeting and approved the employment of Tina Johnson as the new superintendent. More information will be shared soon.

 

On June 26, 2023 the School Board held a special school board meeting (referenced below).  In closed session they interviewed a candidate for the interim superintendent or superintendent position.  The Board voted in open session to authorize the Board President to move into negotiations with the desired candidate to offer the superintendent position based on closed session discussions.

 

Special School Board Meeting scheduled for a closed session to interview with a candidate for the interim superintendent or superintendent position.

 

At the June 19, 2023 school board meeting, the Board President Tiffany Hawley shared in the Board President Report that the preferred interim superintendent candidate accepted an offer with another school district closer to their residence.

June 17, 2023:

The Hartland Lakeside School Board voted on June 14, 2023 to authorize the board president to proceed with final negotiations with the preferred candidate for interim superintendent.

 

The Hartland Lakeside School Board voted to hire an interim superintendent on June 1, 2023.  Both superintendent finalists withdrew their names from the running prior to the board being able to complete final discussions concerning each candidate.

 

Based on feedback received from the community the Board has:

May 24, 2023:
The Hartland Lakeside School Board encourages community members, families, and staff to attend the Community Forum on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at North Shore Middle School Presentation Room.  The schedule for the evening as shown below.  During the Community Forum the candidates will answer pre-submitted questions.  The Community Forum will be facilitated by WASB Consultant George Steffen and will take place from 7:00-7:45 with David Munoz and 8:00-8:45 with Jerry Sardina.