Despite disagreements on the search process Jessica Lombard announced as the revolutionary superintendent D158 needs
HUNTLEY — At the Feb. 8 Huntley Community School District 158 (D158) Board of Education (BOE) meeting, board members unanimously voted in favor of appointing Jessica Lombard, Ed.S., as the district’s new superintendent after having served as the interim superintendent since May 2023.
According to a press release by the district’s Director of Communications and Public Engagement Denise Barr, Lombard is the first female superintendent to serve at D158. Before having been approved as the interim superintendent, Lombard’s role was as the district’s associate superintendent, a position she held for five years.
Even before undertaking the associate superintendent position, Lombard held numerous leadership positions at D158, including assistant superintendent of human resources, assistant superintendent of elementary learning and special education, director of curriculum, principal at Mackeben Elementary School, and principal and assistant principal at Leggee Elementary School.
“We are thrilled that Jessica Lombard will officially be taking the helm here in Huntley 158,” said BOE President Andy Bittman in a press release statement. “While leading in multiple diverse roles in the district, Ms. Lombard has remained student-focused and student-driven. She has an inherent ability to connect with others, listen to all sides while problem-solving, and drive a diverse group to the best decision. These gifts have allowed her to effectively lead Huntley 158 to the benefit of students, staff, and the community at large. She is exactly what Huntley 158 needs right now.”
Despite the overall positivity from the board regarding appointing Lombard in the position of superintendent, BOE member Paul Troy described his “angst” at the BOE for not having utilized a search firm to assist in finding the district’s next superintendent.
“I advocated this route for several reasons including affording our entire 158 community in-person opportunities to have a voice in the search process,” Troy stated at the Feb. 8 BOE meeting. “I apologize [to the] Huntley community for being unable to convince my colleagues to do a comprehensive search among thousands of superintendents and aspiring superintendents locally, statewide, and beyond. Even perhaps internally. Our job is to do the hard work, not the easy work. Frankly, in my opinion, you deserve better.”
Regardless of Troy’s disapproval of the BOE’s superintendent search process, he did maintain that he believes Lombard will serve D158 “passionately,” and he would support Lombard in any way he could.
On top of having served at D158 for over 20 years, Lombard is also a native of Huntley and an alumna of Huntley High School. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and educational leadership from Northern Illinois University. Additionally, Lombard holds an Education Specialist degree in educational leadership from National Louis University.
“It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I accept the position as superintendent of this wonderful school district,” said Lombard. “I am committed to upholding the high standards and values of Huntley 158 and to continue working collaboratively with all stakeholders—administrators, staff, families, and the community—for student success.”
Lombard is a 2017 graduate of Leadership Greater McHenry County and served on the alumni education committee for five years. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Northern Illinois University and has served on various committees within the College of Education.
