District 96 Hires New Administrator

has named Kimberly Melton Lechner assistant director of student services effective Aug. 1.

Lechner previously served as student support team coordinator at , where she was responsible for schoolwide data analysis, intervention planning, implementation and progress monitoring. She also collaborated with students, parents, faculty and administration to ensure that all students benefited from a rigorous curriculum and best instructional practices. Her focus also included professional development for faculty around the Response to Intervention model and participation in developing the District 125 social and emotional learning initiative.

Before joining the Stevenson staff, she worked in High School District 211, where she initiated a schoolwide retreat and drug/alcohol prevention program.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of  Illinois and a master’s degree in school psychology from Governors State University. She also completed a Type 75 certificate program in educational administration at Northern Illinois University and is pursuing her doctorate in counselor education and supervision at NIU.

Lechner will work in District 96 with Director of Student Services Kimberly Dahlem.

"Her collaborative approach, coupled with the vision to sustain our mission for creating a balanced environment for all students, is a great gain for District 96," Dahlem said.

Superintendent Julie Schmidt agreed, noting, “Our students, parents, and staff all will benefit from Mrs. Lechner’s nurturing expertise. She is highly regarded by her professional peers and will effectively complement the strengths and talents of the District 96 administrative team she’ll be joining.”

— Information submitted by School District 96