Superintendent

Dear SEDOL Community,

The Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL) is a student centered, future-focused special education cooperative serving 31 school districts across Lake County.  The talented SEDOL team members lead with compassion to serve students  directly through SEDOL programs and services. 

I am honored to join SEDOL during such an exciting time, continuing the bridge-building work of the SEDOL team and partners, working collectively with a student-centered focus.  It is a privilege to serve alongside such a dedicated team of educators, families, as well as the Executive Board and Governing Board members who represent the 31 member districts.  I have served as a special educator throughout my career, starting as a school psychologist, a special education administrator, and most recently, as an interim superintendent in northern Illinois.  I have dedicated my career to supporting students by building partnerships between school districts and families to provide collaborative, meaningful support for every student. 

I am also looking forward to working with the SEDOL Foundation, a fundraising organization driven to best support SEDOL students. The SEDOL Foundation is truly making a difference for students and families through so many projects and grants that support student and program needs. 

As I begin this new role, I look forward to strengthening our partnerships with each of our member districts while continuing the important work already underway. Together, we will advance our Continuous Improvement Plan by focusing on evidence-based instructional practices and ensuring that every decision is centered on student success. We will also continue the important work of implementing fiscal restructuring to build a sustainable financial foundation that allows us to meet the evolving needs of our students while responsibly stewarding public resources.

I recognize that SEDOL has a proud history of service, and I am committed to listening, learning, and working collaboratively with all stakeholders. By building upon our collective strengths and embracing continuous improvement, we can create innovative solutions that support students, empower staff, and strengthen our partnerships with families and member districts.

I am sincerely grateful for the warm welcome I have already received and for the opportunity to become part of the remarkable SEDOL community. I look forward to continuing to build bridges with our staff, families, member districts, Governing Board, Executive Board and community partners as we work together to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Thank you for welcoming me to SEDOL. I am excited about the journey ahead and all that we will accomplish together in service of our students.

Sincerely,
Dr. Jennifer Thomas