The Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 Board of Education unanimously voted to approve Willowbrook School Principal Dr. Scott Carlson as the Director of Human Resources, a new position in the district, during the Feb. 22 regular board meeting.
He will begin serving in this role on July 1, 2024.
“Dr. Carlson is a natural fit for this role due to his experience, passion for supporting staff and developing employee relationships,” said Dr. Emily Tammaru, District 30 Superintendent of Schools. “We look forward to the important work he will lead in ensuring that District 30 meets the goals identified by our recent human resources audit, aligns practices with our forthcoming Strategic Plan, and continues to attract and retain top teaching talent for our students.”
Since July 2014, Dr. Carlson has led Willowbrook as principal, with primary responsibilities focused on instructional leadership, staffing, professional development, and collaborating with District 30 leadership. His 23 years in education include service as a school psychologist at Sunset Ridge & Middlefork Schools in Northfield, followed by seven years as principal at Barbara B. Rose Elementary School in Barrington. In his final year, Barbara B. Rose was named a National Blue Ribbon School.
“I am thrilled for this opportunity and want to emphasize the ‘human’ in District 30’s management of human resources,” Dr. Carlson said. “We are fortunate to have passionate and committed employees, and District 30 is a special place to work. I believe we can leverage that advantage to recruit the next generation of diverse and talented educators while continuing to develop and support the talent already in our schools.”
Dr. Carlson earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University Bloomington. At University of Florida Gainesville, he earned a master’s of arts in education and an education specialist degree in school psychology. He earned his doctorate in education from National Louis University and will also bring to his new role a certification in human capital leadership in education from the American Association of School Personnel Administrators.
District 30 is currently exploring candidates to fill the Willowbrook School principal vacancy. As part of this work, parents and staff will be surveyed on key qualities and characteristics they feel should be embodied by the principal.
“Our focus now is creating a seamless transition for Willowbrook School as we plan for the next principal,” Dr. Tammaru said. “Stakeholder feedback will be valuable in informing this process so we can ensure Willowbrook’s next leader will best serve our students, staff, and community.”
